• Are you interested in how laws are created and enforced?
  • Do you enjoy gathering clues to find solutions to problems?
  • Have you ever wanted to be a police officer or a lawyer?

LPSA is designed to introduce you to and prepare you for careers in law and public safety such as police officers, lawyers, court reporters, firefighters, and detective. LPSA is a four-year honors program that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in life and education after your high school graduation. Academies are similar to small learning communities, meaning that LPSA students attend all classes together within a larger public high school. Teachers at LPSA have all worked in the field of law or public safety and can provide you with insight into real law and public safety issues they have experienced. In addition to class work, as an LPSA student you will participate in internships and community service activities related to law or public safety.

CLUSTER HIGHLIGHTS
  • Senior Internships for 26-weeks per year at law firms, legal service centers, federal and circuit court, etc.
  • Job Shadowing for all juniors (example: Students may visit the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office)
  • Mock Trials – Students each take on a role (jury, prosecutor, defendant) and present their case to an actual judge.
  • Guest Speakers – hear what it is like to work in various fields relater to law and public safety from law students, lawyers, Chicago police officers, Judges, public guardians and others.
  • Field Trips – explore different locations where you may eventually enter your career such as Cook County Jail, Chicago Police Headquarters, Fire stations and Courts (sit and listen to actual trials).
Schools
  • Hirsch
  • Mather High
  • Richards
  • Wells (C & C Academy)
CAREERS TO CONSIDER
With a College Degree or more:
Hearing Officer: $43,141–$81,688
Lawyer: $66,400–$165,013
Law Clerk: $27,405–$53,780
With a Professional Certification/Degree:
Court Reporter: $19,253–$54,817
Paralegal: $36,833–$61,970
With a High School Diploma:
Parking Enforcement Worker: $22,862–$41,867
Security Guard: $18,863–$30,650
Students interested in Law and Public Safety, but are not enrolled in a school with a program, should look into the citywide Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA).
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sandra Castillo, Program Coordinator
(773-553-2485)
sacastillo@cps.k12.il.us

CTE College and Career Academy Applications

Are you in 8th grade and interested in attending a College and Career Academy?

College and Career Academies are new, state of the art CTE programs, currently offered across multiple industries at 11 schools dispersed throughout the city. They are open to all interested students, with no attendance area boundaries - students with ISAT Math and Reading Stanine scores at or above 5 receive preference in admissions. To attend, you must apply while in 8th grade and be accepted. To review the list of College and Career Academies and to download and print the application, please click the link below.

The College and Career Academies have moved to rolling admissions. This means applications will be accepted until all the spots in the freshman class have been filled.

» English Version of Application
» Spanish Version of Application

Law and Public Safety Program Requirements

To participate in Law and Public Safety Programs you must meet/complete the following requirements:

  • Citywide Selective Admission Process (Applications are available at each school)
  • ISAT score – minimum stanine of 5
  • Copy of report card
  • Two Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of interest