Resources

School Website: www.northsideprep.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/northsidecphs

School Profile: Please click here.

FAQ

HOW MANY STUDENTS ATTEND NORTHSIDE?

The total population of NCP is approximately 1040 students. There are roughly 255 students in each grade.

HOW DO I APPLY TO NCP?

All applications are handled by the CPS Office of Access and Enrollment and are available online at go.cps.edu.

DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF I LIVE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?

No. Northside draws its population from the entire city.

HOW DO STUDENTS GET TO NCP?

Students get to school in a multitude of ways. Some take the CTA. Some get dropped off by their parents. Others bike or walk, and many of our juniors and seniors drive and park in the NCP student parking lot.

WHAT IS COLLOQUIUM?

Colloquium is a semester-long course that occurs on Wednesdays of five-day weeks. It is the hallmark of education at Northside. It is an opportunity for students and teachers to explore a variety of topics, driven by natural curiosity and common interest via project-oriented courses. Course topics range from working in our gardens, to tutoring elementary students, to exploring what it takes to be a “green” city to learning about fixing bicycles, and going on rides throughout the city.

WHICH WORLD LANGUAGES DO YOU OFFER?

The world language department offers five languages -- Spanish, Latin, Japanese, Chinese, and French.

WHAT SPORTS DO YOU HAVE?

We have all IHSA sanctioned sports except for football and gymnastics. Please visit our website for a complete list.

WHAT ARE FLEX BLOCKS?

Flex Blocks occur on our Colloquium days. Each week, students select four different flex blocks in order to get academic support, extend colloquium time, meet with clubs, or participate in quiet study or gym time.

IS IT TRUE THAT YOU GET A LOT OF HOMEWORK AT NCP?

The amount of homework varies depending on the courses you take. However, the block schedule provides you with at least two days in between most classes to complete the work.

WHAT IS YOUR CHROMEBOOK 1:1 PROGRAM?

All freshmen are provided a Chromebook. This is theirs to keep while they are at NCP.

DO I HAVE TO SWIM IN PE CLASS?

Unless there is a religious or health reason, all students take one-quarter of swimming.

CAN I USE THE WEIGHT ROOM IF I’M NOT TAKING PE?

Students are welcome to use the weight room after school if appropriate supervision is present (ex. lifeguards, coaches, etc.).

HOW DOES NCP HELP FRESHMEN ADJUST TO HIGH SCHOOL?

Our “Freshman Academy” model helps students adjust to high school. Freshmen teachers meet regularly to discuss student needs and make adjustments to help them be successful. All freshmen also participate in a mandatory colloquium class that helps them with their executive functioning skills.

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAVEL ABROAD?

Yes, there are exchanges, educational tours, and service trips. Many NCP families also serve as host families as part of our exchange program.