ACE Technical Charter
Opening Year: 2004
Entry to USI Network: 2005
Type of School: Charter
Grade Levels in 2009-2010: 9-12
Student Enrollment: 500
Address: 5401 S. State St, Chicago, IL 60609
Neighborhood: Washington Park
Principal: Eduardo Guerra
Overview:
ACE Technical Charter High School provides an education where the academic meets the practical. The school was founded in 2004 to introduce inner-city youth to architecture, construction and engineering (ACE) careers – professions in which minorities are severely underrepresented. To that end, students engage in a curriculum that provides hands-on instructional content within ACE disciplines while also addressing the barriers which traditionally prevent inner-city youth from pursuing such careers. Students’ first two years at the high school are spent completing math and science courses that prepare them for an eventual concentration, or “major” area of study, during their final two years. Ultimately, the education aims to prepare students to exceed Illinois learning standards, determine their individual aptitudes and excel in post-secondary studies or professionally in ACE careers upon graduation.