Draft:Wolcott College Prep
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Submission declined on 22 November 2025 by DoubleGrazing (talk).
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| Wolcott College Prep | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
524 N. Wolcott Avenue Chicago , Illinois 60622 United States | |
| Coordinates | 41°53′30″N 87°40′29″W / 41.891788°N 87.674828°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent, college-preparatory high school serving students with learning differences |
| Established | 2013 |
| Founders | Jeff Aeder and Jennifer Levine |
| Head of School | Marisa German |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 135–145 students (approx.) |
| Website | wolcottcollegeprep |
Wolcott College Prep is an independent, college-preparatory high school in Chicago, Illinois, United States.[1] The school serves students with diagnosed learning differences, offering a strengths-based academic model that integrates small class sizes, strategic instruction, and individualized learning supports.[2] The school’s mission emphasizes helping students develop the skills, strategies, and self-awareness to succeed in college and beyond.[1]
Wolcott is recognized as the only independent high school in Chicago dedicated specifically to students with learning differences.[3][4]
History
[edit]Wolcott College Prep opened in 2013 in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.[1] The building previously housed the Union League Club for Boys and Girls, established in 1927.[1] The school was founded to offer high school options for students with learning differences, focusing on instructional approaches grounded in neuroscience, executive functioning research, and differentiated pedagogy.[1]
The school’s opening was covered by the Daily Herald, which reported on community support and the school’s unique mission.[5]
The campus was designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects to support a flexible, student-centered learning environment.[6] The founding Head of School, Dr. Miriam Pike, helped shape its academic vision and strengths-based culture, which continues under current Head of School Marisa German.[1] Over time, Wolcott has expanded its facilities, academic offerings, and partnerships with cultural institutions.[2]
Campus
[edit]Wolcott’s academic building at 524 N. Wolcott Avenue includes science labs, flexible classrooms, and dedicated Learning Strategies spaces.[2] The adjacent Arts & Athletics Center features a full-size gymnasium, performance stage, arts studios, music classrooms, and a makerspace for innovation and design. The space is used for assemblies, arts showcases, and athletics.[2]
In 2020, Better.net featured Wolcott for its rapid shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the school’s early adoption of Zoom and other digital platforms.[7]
Shuttle services connect students to CTA and Metra stations.[1]
Academics
[edit]Wolcott College Prep offers a four-year, college-preparatory curriculum designed for students with documented learning differences.[8] The school requires 51 credits for graduation, exceeding Illinois standards. Courses span English, math, science, social studies, and Spanish, along with electives in arts, engineering, computer science, media, and psychology.[8]
Instruction incorporates research on adolescent learning, executive functioning, and multisensory strategies. Teachers use scaffolded practice, explicit instruction, and ongoing feedback to help students build independence.[2]
Learning Strategies program
[edit]All students take Learning Strategies each year. Taught by learning specialists, the course emphasizes planning, time management, organization, and self-advocacy. These executive functioning skills are reinforced in academic classes through faculty collaboration.[2]
Academic support services
[edit]Wolcott provides academic coaching, after-school support, and structured study time. Faculty help students develop personalized strategies for reading, writing, and math. The school emphasizes building self-awareness and metacognition.[9]
Experiential and interdisciplinary learning
[edit]Students participate in experiential learning through fieldwork, labs, interdisciplinary projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Collaborations with the Museum of Contemporary Art and other institutions support community engagement and hands-on learning.[10]
College preparation
[edit]College prep begins in 9th grade and continues through senior year. Early programming focuses on executive functioning, academic habits, and self-advocacy. Juniors and seniors receive individualized support with college research, essay writing, applications, and accommodations planning.[2]
Wolcott’s profile and college outcomes have also been noted in independent school listings.[11]
Student life
[edit]Students take part in more than 25 field trips annually and join clubs, arts ensembles, affinity groups, and student government. Annual events include Homecoming, the “Erase the Hate” rally, cultural celebrations, the senior trip, and Career Week.[1]
Arts
[edit]The arts curriculum includes visual art, photography, digital media, film, theater, and music. Arts education is project-based and supports self-expression and interdisciplinary learning.[8]
Athletics
[edit]Wolcott competes in the Lake Shore Athletic Conference. Offerings include basketball, volleyball, cross country, tennis, soccer, golf, track, and co-op hockey. Teams have earned recognition at the conference and state level. The athletics program emphasizes inclusion, teamwork, and sportsmanship.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "About Wolcott". Wolcott College Prep. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Viewbook 2025" (PDF). Wolcott College Prep. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Best Private Schools in the Chicago Area in 2025". Chicago Parent. 21 August 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Wolcott School: College Prep for Students with ADHD & LDs". ADDitude Magazine. 2022-02-17. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Supporters celebrate opening of Wolcott School". Daily Herald. 2013-06-18. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Wolcott School – Chicago". Wheeler Kearns Architects. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "A School That Embraces Technology Ahead of the Distance Learning Curve". Better.net. 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ a b c "Program of Studies 2025–2026" (PDF). Wolcott College Prep. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Academic Coaching at Wolcott". Wolcott College Prep. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Learning by Doing: Experiential Education at Wolcott". Wolcott College Prep. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Wolcott College Prep Profile". PrivateSchoolReview.com. 24 September 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
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