Noble Approved to Open Four More High Schools in Chicago

Noble received approval last week from the Chicago Board of Education to open four more Noble campuses. Two of the high schools will open in 2012 with two others slated to open in 2013.

“This is a victory for all of Chicago. Opening an additional four campuses over the next two years will give nearly 4,000 more students access to a world class high school education that Noble can provide,” says Michael Milkie, Noble’s co-founder and CEO/Superintendent.

Noble’s goal is to double the number of students it serves by 2015 by growing to 12,000 students across 16 campuses; more than 10% of Chicago's public high school population.

Read more about Noble's approved expansion here.

Noble Students Visit the White House

Above Left: Students and Principal Thomas tour the White House with President Obama Above Right: President Obama showing students a telegraph machine as he emphasizes the importance of innovation.

On October 28, 22 students from Johnson College Prep traveled with their principal, Noble's founder and the Chairman of Noble's Board of Directors to Washington D.C. to visit the White House. After meeting the President and taking a picture, President Obama offered to give the students a quick tour of the Oval Office and adjoining rooms. A picture of Johnson College Prep students and staff with President Obama was highlighted in the White House "photo-of-the-day" gallery. Click here to view the photo.

Mayor Emanuel and CPS CEO Brizard Announce Initiative to Promote College

Above: Mayor Emanuel and CPS CEO Brizard introduce the college pennant initiative.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard visited Pritzker College Prep on December 16 to host a roundtable with current students and alumni. The roundtable provided the Mayor an opportunity to speak with students about their college aspirations. Afterwards the Mayor and CEO Brizard announced a college pennant drive, inspired by Noble's culture and decor, that will take place throughout the Chicago Public Schools to reinforce college as the next step for students.

"An integral part of the school culture at Noble schools is to set high expectations – they expect that all of their students will go to college. We are going to replicate this best practice in every elementary and high school in the city by hanging school pennants. In every hallway of every CPS school, our students will be thinking about college and the prospect of continuing their education in the future.” said Emanuel.

Study Names Noble as Highest Performing Chicago Charter

The newest study released by the Illinois Policy Institute in late September 2011 highlights the impact of Noble, Chicago's highest performing public high school. Noble ranks highest among those charters credited for delivering the highest results and ensuring the educational success of Chicago's students of greatest need. Read the full report.

Happy Holidays from Noble!

On behalf of Noble's students, teachers, staff and Board of Directors, we wish you a happy holiday. Thank you for your continued generosity, which has supported our ability to provide a high quality education to thousands of Chicago public high school students. We look forward to continued growth in 2012!