ACE TECH

ACE stands for Architecture, Construction and Engineering. The school is a public charter, which means that it is a part of CPS and is funded through CPS, but is not a part of the union, and is operated independently. The board of directors are members of Chicago trade unions, construction companies or architectural firms.

The goals of the school are 1. to increase minority membership in Chicago unions 2.to provide high quality education to try to compete with the chinese. Something like that. But these are seriously students in need of opportunity.

The school has around 400 students. It is roughly 60% African American 35% Hispanic (majority Mexican) and 5% Bridgeport Irish.

Approximately 95% of the students receive free lunch. Approx. 20& come from high rise public housing (Ickes).

The students come from a wide range of neighborhoods, and over 20 different elementary schools. The majority of Mexican students come from Gage Park, then Back of the Yards, and the rest from Pilsen. Most African American students come from the State St Corridor, Martin Luther King and the Wells homes, or Englewood. The white students all come from Bridgeport or Canaryville.

The school has only been around for 3 years, and subsequently only has 9-11 grades. Next year will be the first year that the school is at full capacity and graduates seniors.