CCA Academy, now in its 35th year, has been a charter school for the past 15 years. It is located in the North Lawndale community on Chicago’s Westside. CCA’s purpose has always been to serve dropouts and at risk students by providing an academically challenging and small-school environment.
CCA has theme-based learning that connects the core areas of mathematics, science, social science, reading, writing, and the arts through the lens of Urban Agriculture/Ecology. Real world applications and exhibitions center on urban agriculture, aquaponics, vermiculture, water conservation, solar energy, holistic health, and culinary arts.
During the 2013 school year, CCA earned a Distinguished rating on its report card from Chicago Public Schools and Youth Connection Charter School. Ninety-four percent of CCA seniors graduated.