IYC CHICAGO

IYC Chicago is a public high school that is part of the IDJJ Sch Dist 428 school district, located in Chicago, IL with about 59 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 8 teachers, IYC Chicago has a student/teacher ratio of about 7:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The facility located at 136 N Western Ave in Chicago, known as **IYC Chicago (Illinois Youth Center – Chicago)**, is a secure residential facility operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). Unlike a traditional academic school, it functions as a juvenile correctional institution for youth who have been committed to the state's custody. The primary purpose of the facility is to provide a structured, rehabilitative environment that balances secure custody with essential social, emotional, and educational programming.

Within the facility, educational services are provided to ensure that residents continue their schooling while incarcerated. The academic programs are designed to meet state standards, offering core subjects, special education services, and opportunities for GED preparation or vocational training. The goal of the educational component is to address learning gaps and prepare youth for a successful transition back into their home communities, focusing on reintegration, behavioral development, and long-term academic or workforce readiness.

For more information, contact IYC Chicago at (312) 633-5219 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.