SOUTHSIDE OCCUPATIONAL ACAD HIGH SCHOOL

Southside Occupational Acad HS is a Title I public high school that is part of the Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 school district, located in Chicago, IL with about 271 students offering grade levels from 11th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 31 teachers, Southside Occupational Acad HS has a student/teacher ratio of about 8:1. 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.

Southside Occupational Academy High School (SOA), located in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, is a specialized Chicago Public School designed exclusively to serve students with diverse learning needs. Unlike a traditional academic high school, Southside Occupational focuses on transition services for students ages 18 to 22 who have completed their required high school credits but require additional support to prepare for life after graduation. The school provides a structured environment where students work on developing functional life skills, social competencies, and vocational readiness.

The curriculum at Southside Occupational is highly individualized, emphasizing "Community-Based Instruction" to help students transition into the workforce or adult day programs. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences, including pre-vocational training, work-based learning opportunities, and daily living skills instruction. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, the school strives to foster independence, self-advocacy, and inclusion, ensuring that its students are well-equipped to contribute to their communities and navigate the adult world with confidence.

For more information, contact Southside Occupational Acad HS at (773) 535-9100 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.