LITTLE BLACK PEARL ARTS ACAD HIGH SCHOOL

Little Black Pearl Arts 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 116 students offering grade levels from 9th 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 9 teachers, Little Black Pearl Arts Acad HS has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. 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.

Little Black Pearl Arts and Design Academy (formerly located on 47th Street in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago) was a unique, nonprofit high school that integrated rigorous academic instruction with intensive arts and design training. Founded as an extension of the Little Black Pearl community organization, the school aimed to empower underserved youth by fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and technical proficiency. The curriculum was designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and professional practice, providing students with hands-on experience in areas such as fine arts, graphic design, metalworking, and digital media, all while maintaining a focus on college and career readiness.

Beyond its academic offerings, the school served as a vital cultural anchor in the Bronzeville community, emphasizing the role of art in social and economic development. By creating a professional environment where students functioned as "junior entrepreneurs," the academy encouraged pupils to view their artistic talents as viable career paths. Although the physical school site has undergone various organizational transitions and shifts in its operational model over the years, its legacy remains rooted in the mission of providing creative outlets for Chicago youth to develop both their artistic voices and their practical business skills.

For more information, contact Little Black Pearl Arts Acad HS at (773) 690-5500 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.