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Charter High School for CPS Dropouts Eyeing Lincoln Square

By Patty Wetli | March 19, 2015 6:37pm

LINCOLN SQUARE — Pathways in Education has applied for a zoning change to operate an alternative charter high school in Lincoln Square at 4816 N. Western Ave., according to official documents.

The request is on the agenda for Friday's meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, listed as a "continuance."

Pathways (PIE) is one of four companies approved in 2014 by Chicago Public Schools as part of an expansion of programs aimed at struggling students and dropouts, technically referred to as Alternative Learning Opportunity Programs. Total cost of the expansion was placed at $6 million, with PIE to receive approximately $1.3 million in "incubator" funds to open new campuses.

In total, PIE was approved to enroll up to 1,200 students.

Founded in California in 1987, PIE manages more than 30 schools in California, Tennessee, Louisiana and Chicago, according to the company's website.

Existing PIE schools in Chicago are located in the Ashburn, Brighton Park and Avondale neighborhoods. According to PIE's website, the proposed Lincoln Square site "has been delayed until further notice," but packages are being delivered to "PIE Lincoln" at the Western Avenue address and the space has been outfitted with computers, tables, desks, chairs and other materials.

Calls to Pathways' Pasadena-based headquarters regarding their plans for Lincoln Square were not returned.

The Chicago PIE schools serve students ages 15-21, targeting, according to CPS, "youth who have been out of school, are significantly off track for graduation, are chronically truant or are otherwise at risk for academic failure."

PIE's education model, as explained on its website, provides both independent study and small group instruction aimed at helping students complete their high school education.

In 2013, a Concept charter school, proposed for Lincoln Square at the same time Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the closing of 50 CPS schools, was strongly opposed by members of the community, who vowed to fight it "tooth and nail." Concept eventually withdrew its plan.

At the time, Ald. Pat O'Connor (40th) came out against the Concept charter proposal and its request for a zoning change.

O'Connor could not be reached for comment regarding Pathways in Education.

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