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Become a Partner School
We want to work with you to improve Freshman OnTrack and High School Graduation rates!
Success That Can't Be Undone
Dive into our practice through the Freshman Success for Equity Improvement Network Impact Story.
The GRAD Partnership
The GRAD Partnership brings together twelve organizations to partner with schools, districts, states, and local community organizations to create the conditions needed to bring the use of evidence-based student success systems from a new practice to a common practice.
Join Us for Professional Learning
Become a Partner School
Success That Can't Be Undone
The GRAD Partnership
Who We Are
The UChicago Network for College Success (NCS) envisions neighborhood high schools that continuously cultivate collaboration, powerful learning, and a culture of high achievement to prepare all students for college and career success.
We are composed of program staff with several collective years of experience as school leaders, educators, administrators, and counselors. With a strong foundation in Chicago, our coaches facilitate topic-centered Learning Labs specifically for leaders within Chicago Public Schools. NCS also partners with districts and schools across the country, with Regional and National Networks that translate research and data into effective practice. We spread impact and innovation throughout Chicago and nationwide.
By integrating research, experimentation, and a commitment to equity, NCS partnerships on every level ensure students experience meaningful learning, belonging, and success—through high school and beyond.
To read more about our Learning Labs and Regional and National Networks, click here.
Over the past 20 years in Chicago Public Schools
+31%
In Freshman OnTrack Rates
+33%
In High School Graduation Rates
+14%
In College Enrollment Rates
What We Do
We strengthen teams and leaders to build inspiring school environments and dramatically improve student outcomes.
Transformational
Leadership
Empower leaders to co-construct a shared, equity-centered vision with teams. Align leadership, roles, and resources to address disparities in student experiences and outcomes.
Collaborative,
Problem-Solving Teams
Teams build trust and shared responsibility using structured routines and clear norms. They set goals, use research-based practices, monitor progress, and examine evidence to determine changes in adult practice.
Thriving Learning Environments
Create spaces where students are connected and belong. Engage every student in learning that fascinates, inspires, and engages.
Milestones
That Matter
Achieve equitable, academic outcomes and ensure students stay on course to achieve the success they deserve.
How We Work
Professional Learning
Deepen your expertise and improve your practice through interactive, research-driven learning experiences for educators.
Coaching
Diagnose challenges, implement solutions, and build capacity for lasting change with ongoing, customized coaching designed for schools and districts.
Tools for Lasting Change
Freshman On-Track Toolkit
A comprehensive guide to supporting ninth-grade success and increasing graduation rates.
Postsecondary Success Toolkit
Strategies and insights to help students navigate the path to college and career success.
Support Our Mission
Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our community of funders and collaborative entities. Together, we're supporting educators and school leaders in improving students' high school experiences and creating a positive impact in the education landscape.
