Woodlawn boasts several educational institutions – a critical resource for sustaining any community. Two new schools, the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School and the Hyde Park Day School, opened in 2014 on 63rd Street. Just a couple of blocks away, The University of Chicago recently opened a new 6-12th grade charter school, also on 63rd Street, that focuses on STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills.
Two blocks north, meanwhile, the university has several new Woodlawn projects under construction - a new dormitory, conference center, Public Policy graduate school, even a hotel. For the first time, more University of Chicago students will soon live in Woodlawn than in Hyde Park.
International Baccalaureate programs have been established at the Hyde Park Academy (Woodlawn’s area public high school) and the Fiske Elementary School, while MetroSquash at 61st and Cottage Grove (a national organization that combines sports, tutoring and mentoring) helps prepare young people for secondary education and college.
Established in 2009, The Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community (WCPC) brings together a university, the Chicago Public Schools, and one of the city’s largest churches - Woodlawn Apostolic Church of God. WCPC focuses on improving the quality of instruction and leadership in schools, expanding support for youths and families, and directing family and community assets on positive educational outcomes.