The Saturday Morning Alternative Reach-Out and Teach (SMART) program is an alternative to expulsion for students who violate the CPS Student Code of Conduct. Students who are expelled stand a significantly higher chance of falling behind and failing to graduate from high school.

The SMART program works to counteract this trend and mediate behavior by providing students with an educational alternative. Students participating in the SMART program are able to continue to attend their home school during the week while completing a series of eight Saturday classes and 20 hours of community service.

Smart Academic Morning Sessions

The SMART program takes place over eight weeks and meets each Saturday morning for four hours. Students participate in comprehensive and integrated teaching sessions that incorporate academics, character building activities and conflict resolution skills. The SMART program uses a two-tier approach to ensure the success of its students.

• Family involvement. A parent or adult representative must accompany the student to at least two of the eight SMART program sessions.
• Community involvement. Each student is required to complete a community service project that may be selected by the student or by the SMART program administrators based on proximity to their home and school.

Enrollment 

The SMART program is available for students who have violated the Student Code of Conduct and are at risk for expulsion. Participants must be referred to a SMART program by a hearing officer. Location information will be provided upon referral.

Resources

The SMART Program provides educational opportunities for students not currently attending a traditional high school. To learn more, contact James Smith or Shawn Baker at (773) 535-8068.

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