Our Campuses

Donoghue’s academic approach is distinguished by:

A whole child approach that focuses on teaching the values of self-control, teamwork, integrity, commitment, and kindness

A school culture of high academic achievement featuring rigorous instruction and a curriculum based on research and best practices

Committed and skilled educators, including National Board Certified Teachers who guide and inspire students to excel

An emphasis on teaching students to become independent readers by grade three, and using whole group, small group, and individualized instruction

A focus on high-order thinking in mathematics

Expert use of literacy and mathematics assessments to measure students’ progress and tailor instruction and supports to each student’s academic needs

Technology infused classrooms with desktop or laptop computer or iPad access for every student

A full-day pre-kindergarten program that offers developmentally appropriate instruction in reading, science, mathematics, art, music, and dance

A science laboratory where students conduct experiments to test their hypotheses about the physical and biological worlds

Instruction in dance, drumming, painting, and music offered by professional artists

Increased instructional time through a school day that begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m., Saturday classes, and a full-day summer school

The UChicago Charter School’s Donoghue Campus is named after George T. Donoghue, a civil engineer and the first general superintendent of the Chicago Park District. Under his leadership, the Park District launched community programs and opened facilities and field houses in neighborhoods across the city. Mr. Donoghue was also one of the original organizers of the Bud Billiken Parade, the oldest and largest annual African American parade in the country.

The UChicago Charter School’s Woodlawn Campus is distinguished by:

An integrated middle and high school campus that establishes college-going mindsets and habits beginning in the 6th grade

Committed, skilled educators who inspire students to excel through engaging instruction that draws upon students’ cultural backgrounds and lived experiences to develop knowledge and skills of value outside of the classroom.

Advanced Placement courses in Statistics, Biology, Language Arts, and Literature

Expert use of literacy, mathematics, and science assessments to measure students’ progress and tailor instruction and supports to each student’s academic needs

Integration of technology through iMac labs and a partnership with the Digital Youth Network

A senior thesis program in which students conduct their own research projects in the areas of urban development, media, renewable energy, education, and economics. Competitive athletic programs including, but not limited to, football, basketball, baseball, and cross-country running

Performing arts instruction led by instructors with professional theatre and dance experience

A dedicated college office with an extensive alumni network

A strong track record of college success: UCW has one of the highest college persistence rates of any non-selective high school in the city of Chicago, with alumni attending The University of Chicago, Stanford University, Howard University, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, The University of Missouri, and other selective colleges across the country

UChicago Charter’s Woodlawn Campus offers priority admission to students who live in the surrounding community for which it was named. A strong school-community relationship is essential to making the Woodlawn campus a great school for youth and their families. Woodlawn provides a variety of opportunities for students to contribute to their communities through research, service, and leadership.