IHS: Education Built Around You

Innovations High School (IHS) proudly serves students from neighborhoods throughout the City of Chicago, providing a supportive, student-centered environment where scholars can earn their high school diploma while preparing for college, careers, and life beyond graduation. Families across Chicago choose IHS for our quality education, small-school environment, personalized approach, and commitment to helping every scholar succeed.

Meet Our Principal
Alicia Arnold

Thank you to every family who places their trust in Innovations High School and allows us the privilege of educating, supporting, and preparing your scholars for the future. I am grateful to lead IHS with integrity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

At IHS, we believe every scholar deserves a safe, nurturing, and rigorous learning environment where they are encouraged to discover their potential and pursue their goals. Our mission is to inspire, motivate, and empower lifelong learners through a competency-based, forward-thinking school community that develops critical thinking, confidence, self-sufficiency, and the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our dedicated staff remains committed to the “Higher Standards” that define the IHS experience. We meet scholars where they are, challenge them to reach higher, and provide the support and opportunities they need to succeed in school, college, careers, and life. It is truly an honor to serve our scholars, families, and the IHS community. Together, we will continue to rise.

#PhoenixRise

With Love,
Mrs. Alicia Arnold
Principal, Innovations High School

 Alumni Hall of Fame

  • A young man with dreadlocks wearing a black jacket, a patterned scarf, and jewelry, standing on a bridge with city buildings and trees in the background during overcast weather.

    Polo G

  • Two men are celebrating in front of a vibrant purple and pink galaxy backdrop. The man on the left is wearing a camouflage patterned jacket, holding a champagne glass, and adjusting a black cap with a gold number '3' on it. The man on the right has dreadlocks, is wearing a light-colored jacket over a pink and black shirt, and is pointing with an energetic expression. There is DJ equipment in front of them.

    DJ Oreo

  • A smiling man and woman both dressed in matching tan jackets at an indoor gathering.

    Reko Osofunny & Robin Roebuck

  • A woman smiling in graduation attire standing in front of a blue backdrop with white text that reads 'Berkeley' repeatedly.

    Tara Washington

IHS By the
Numbers…

IHS’s impact is measurable and growing. To date, 1,791 students have graduated, and more than 4,000 youth have enrolled in our programs, gaining access to alternative education, mentorship, and structured support. Beyond the classroom, we have served over 5,000 young people through high school programming, mentoring initiatives, violence prevention efforts, and job training opportunities. Each number represents a life supported, a barrier reduced, and a pathway created toward graduation, stability, and long term success.

Infographic highlighting the achievements of Chicago youth, with statistics on high school graduates, at-risk youth, graduation rate, and programs in Ghana and West Africa, featuring graduation caps, diplomas, and silhouettes of celebrating youth.
A classroom filled with students sitting at tables, some taking notes and others listening attentively to a teacher at the front. The teacher is pointing at a large screen displaying a presentation about interdisciplinary projects. The room has educa
Three men in formal attire holding a large ceremonial check for $3,000 made out to Jordan Miller, awarded as a scholarship, on a stage with ornate gold and red decor.
Group of women dancing and enjoying themselves outdoors during a cultural celebration, with musicians playing traditional drums in the background.
Group of graduates in red caps and gowns waiting indoors, some adjusting hats or chatting, at a graduation ceremony.
People walking on a rope bridge through a lush green forest, smiling and holding onto the side ropes.
Group of graduates dressed in red caps and gowns standing in line inside building.

A Rigorous Alternative
to Traditional Education

IHS provides an innovative, challenging, arts-integrated educational experience in a small, supportive alternative school environment for students ages 16–21. IHS is designed to serve scholars who may have experienced challenges in traditional school settings and need a different pathway to graduation. Through engaging academics, creative expression, and personalized learning opportunities, students are encouraged to rediscover their potential, strengthen their academic skills, and take ownership of their future.

At IHS, education extends beyond the classroom. Scholars have opportunities to explore their interests, develop their individual talents, and prepare for college, careers, and life after high school. Every student is paired with a dedicated mentor who provides consistent guidance, encouragement, and support while monitoring academic progress and social development. This individualized approach ensures that each scholar has someone invested in helping them overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and succeed at IHS and beyond.

Supporting Every Scholar

Our faculty and staff are committed to meeting each scholar’s individual needs, providing personalized guidance and meaningful support throughout high school and beyond. At IHS, we help every scholar build the confidence, skills, and foundation to succeed in college, career, and life.

 Don’t Wait…Enroll.

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