All programs have a college preparatory emphasis. There are three Magnet programs: International Baccalaureate (IB), Double Honors/Advanced Placement and Performing Arts (drama, instrumental music or vocal music). In addition, there is a general program for neighborhood students. Special education services and an ESL program are also available. In general, students have an eight period day that consists of six classes, gym and lunch. Most music Performing Arts students take an extra class in music, giving them a seven period class day. IB students follow a prescribed curriculum.

Honors Opportunities

Except for IB, students from all programs are scheduled into combined classes at their appropriate academic level. Honors, Double Honors/Telescoped and Advanced Placement (AP) classes are available to any student who qualifies by test scores, academic record and teacher recommendations.

The Freshman Academy

Freshman students attend classes in the freshman building on the west side of the mall. They will cross to the main building for only one or two classes each day. This specially designed building and program structure helps students make the transition from elementary to high school. Students receive personal attention and intensive support services, enrichment and remedial help, as well as high-level academic opportunities. After school tutoring, library services and computer labs are available to all students. The freshman building is a closed-campus facility. Students may leave the campus for lunch beginning with the sophomore year. With the exception of the International Baccalaureate, freshman students take a core curriculum of Reading/Writing Workshop or Research Workshop; English, a survey of literature; World Studies; Algebra; Biology or Environmental Science; and Art or Music. IB students follow a prescribed curriculum.

The International Baccalaureate Program, founded in Europe in 1968, was originally developed to insure access for the children of diplomats and international corporations' executives to a quality, integrated education, one that would be recognized by educational institutions worldwide. The program has expanded so that today it is offered in approximately 1300 schools in more than 110 countries. There are over 300 programs in the United States. Lincoln Park's IB program has the distinction of being one of the most successful in the world.

The comprehensive curriculum selects elements from the educational systems of many counties and provides students from differing cultural, economic and social backgrounds with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and international awareness necessary for living in a global community.

Students who are accepted but have not participated in a pre-IB program nor satisfactorily completed an accelerated algebra course at the elementary school level will be expected to participate in gifted summer school classes for which tuition is charged. Foreign language preparation for those without previous language instruction will be worked out on an individual basis. IB students take more courses during their four years than the minimum required by the Board of Education. The rigorous curriculum, community service component, and research paper requirements combine to make an excellent preparation for the most highly competitive colleges.

The College Board organization has developed a series of college-level courses (AP) which, upon successful completion of examinations, may result in advanced placement or credit in college. Lincoln Park High School is designated by the Chicago Public Schools as an Advanced Placement Center and has been selected by the Illinois State Board of Education as one of 16 schools in the Advanced Placement Incentive Program Network.

Honors, double honors and Advanced Placement classes are available to any student who qualifies by academic record and teacher recommendation. Students from the various programs (except IB) are scheduled into combined classes at the appropriate academic level. Students do NOT have to be in all honors or all double honors classes. Schedules are developed with consideration for a student's total academic load.

Twenty-four credits are currently required for graduation from a Chicago Public School. Twenty credits are in specifically required subjects:  4 units of English, 1 unit of academic support (freshmen), 3 units of history, 3 units of science, 3 units of math, 2 units of world language, 2 units of physical education, 1 unit of art, 1 unit of music. Since students take seven subjects each year, there is the opportunity to have eight (8) electives. These could include Advanced Placement courses, advanced art, additional English (e.g. Creative Writing), additional history (e.g. Global Studies/lnternational Law) or additional science (e.g. Earth/Space Science). Students may also elect to participate in our superior-ranked band, orchestra or chorus; these subjects may be taken for four years.

Double Honors/Advanced Placement students do well in the annual city Science Fair, History Fair and other competitions with many going on to state and national competitions.

Drama Major Performing Arts Program The Drama Program at Lincoln Park gives students the opportunity to study drama and acting for four years within the context of a college preparatory curriculum. During freshman year, Drama majors take the required core courses (and physical education) at the appropriate academic level plus Drama I.

Drama I includes the study of public speaking, oral interpretation of classical literature, improvisation, and the study of classic American plays. Drama II studies history of the theater (both Western and non-Western) and acting techniques and schools. Drama III and IV study production, directing and theater management.

Honors, double honors (and Advanced Placement) classes are available to any student who qualifies by academic record and teacher recommendation. Students from the various programs (except IB) are scheduled into combined classes at the appropriate academic level.

Music Major Performing Arts Program The Instrumental Music and Vocal Music Programs reflect a long tradition of music excellence and achievement within the context of a college preparatory curriculum. The Band, Orchestra and Vocal Music groups have received only the highest ratings in both city and state competitions over the past decade. The curriculum is designed to permit the serious music student the opportunity and challenge of advancing through a fully articulated four year program.

During freshman year, Music Major students take the required core courses (and physical education) at the appropriate academic level plus their music class. Students in band or vocal music take an additional course in Music Theory I and music Theory II (Advanced Placement) in junior year.