Andrew Jackson Language Academy
Andrew Jackson Language Academy (AJLA) is a Chicago Public Magnet School located in
the near west side of Chicago. Andrew Jackson Elementary School opened its doors in 1894. It
was one of the very first public schools in Chicago to open a kindergarten classroom. It served
the children from the crowded community surrounding the Polk Street Station, a major point of
entry for immigrants coming into Chicago.
In 1981, Andrew Jackson Language Academy became a magnet school with a focus
world language instruction. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade study either Chinese,
French, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish for a continues nine years. In 1988, a new building was
constructed and is located in the near west side between the University of Illinois Chicago and
Rush Hospital. It provides modern grade level and world language classrooms, a gymnasium, a
library with over 15,000 books, a computer lab, a science lab and green house, and rooms for
the fine arts. A large fenced in area is used for play, athletics, art, math & science
investigations, reading, world language activities, and gardening activities.
Students from surrounding neighborhoods and other Chicago areas attend our school.
Our student population of 566 students reflects the very diverse population of Chicago. Our
student population is 21.9% White, 26.4% Black, 27.6% Hispanic, 21.2% Asian, and 2.9% other
which is reflective of the diverse population of Chicago. Of the 565 students we have, 39.5% are
low income and 0.2% are homeless. We also have 8% English Language Learners.
Approximately 6% of our students receive Special Education services. The school community
plays an important role in the life of the school. We have an active and very involved Local
School Council that meets twice a month. The Local School Council has committees to include
the Budget Committee and the Bilingual Advisory Committee. Our Parents Council consists of a
President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. Within the Parents Council are
several operating committees. These include Spring Benefit Fundraising, World Language,
Graduation, Scholastic Book Fair, Cultural Celebrations, and Walkathon. Our school values
collaboration and team work amongst all members of the school and community. The diversity
along with the accomplishments and talents of each of our stakeholders in Andrew Jackson
Language Academy is one we are proud to display throughout the school. The diversity along
with the accomplishments, collaboration, and talents of each of our stakeholders in AJLA is one
we are proud to display throughout the school.
At AJLA, we are working toward creating a community that encompasses the mission of
our school and moves students on to college and career readiness. Our mission is for the entire
school community to be teachers and learners, to create a safe environment that embraces
individuality and celebrates diversity, to create global citizens by providing exemplary
instruction and exposure to World Language, and to find time for laughter, play, exercise, and
reflection. At AJLA, we also value leadership. We utilize the Leader in Me, the 7 Habits, and
leadership opportunities not only to support the mission of our school but to ensure that our
students have the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century, college and career, and beyond.