About Us

Our Mission

CCA's mission is to create lifelong learners.

Our Vision

We will nurture each other to enable each of us to reach our fullest potential and to be empowered to change the world.

Who We Are

CCA Academy is a small, private, non-denominational high school located in Chicago’s North Lawndale Community.  CCA Academy provides non-traditional students, ages 16-21, who have completed eighth grade with a second chance to earn a high school diploma through a rigorous educational program, extracurricular activities, and supportive services that prepare students with the academic, social and life skills to enroll in higher education, vocational training, or seek gainful employment. 

CCA Academy is licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to grant the high school diploma, a Youth Connection Charter School Campus (YCCS), and is a member of the Alternative Schools Network (ASN).

The CCA Difference

CCA’s philosophy starts with the fundamental belief that every individual can and will learn. CCA takes students where they are and helps them to advance to high levels of achievement. In addition to the core curriculum, a complement of elective classes help to stimulate, challenge and expose students to career options.

Counseling and case management services, leadership development activities, parenting services, college counseling, job training and economic development programs and an array of extracurricular activities are provided. Together they round out the CCA experience while promoting achievement, competition and team-building, raising self-esteem, and encouraging students to remain in school. Staff and students take great pride in the school environment that hosts a state-of-the art science lab and a computer lab.

A community garden provides an oasis in the neighborhood while its exterior walls boast student-created murals that reflect the school and the community’s histories.