Roberto Clemente Community Academy is a Chicago Public High School with about 1,800 mostly Latino and African-American students in grades 9–12. The school, located on the near northwest side, has been a pioneer in the “school within a school” program promoted by the Chicago Public Schools.

The program fosters more directed and personalized learning among fewer students — typically between 200 and 400 over four years — often focusing on a particular discipline. Clemente has several of these groupings, including a Cooking Institute, a Language Academy, and a Math and Science Institute.

The Challenge

Roberto Clemente competes with other Chicago Public High Schools for its new students. Because of this and other issues, enrollment at Clemente was on the decline — despite the school’s diverse program offering, talented teachers and administrators, and safe environment. Principal Irene DaMota and her staff engaged ESC to evaluate the situation and develop a plan for attracting quality students and increasing the school’s enrollment.

ESC’s Response

After discussions with administrators, ESC facilitated a series of focus groups with teachers, staff, selected students, and principals of the feeder schools. From the results, the consultants formulated a plan to help reorganize and open up the school, allowing for broader communication and participation at all levels. A main component was the formation of teacher-student task forces, with each member encouraged to take an active role in working toward specific goals.

The ESC team also worked with the school’s communications director on media strategies and marketing materials that would better promote Clemente’s merit and achievements within the community. It was recommended that Clemente upgrade its outdoor sign to convey all the positive things happening at the school.