About Manley

A Letter from Our Principal

I am elated and proud to have been selected as the principal of Manley Career Academy High School. My educational trajectory began more than 25 years ago as a classroom teacher in North Carolina. My tenure at Lincoln Park High School served as a platform for my work in the area of literacy and instruction. My career has allowed me to serve in multiple capacities such as Area Reading Coach, Literacy Manager, Director of High School Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Principal and Principal. Furthermore, I am proud to say that I am the parent of two CPS graduates.

All students desire a safe and productive learning environment. My number one priority is to ensure that you experience learning opportunities that prepare you for college, career and life. I know first-hand what it takes for students to achieve at high levels. I am looking forward to building upon the great work already taking place here at Manley. In developing leaders for the 21st Century, I plan to engage our student body in deep learning, both in and outside of the classrooms of our school. I am passionate about teaching and learning and am committed to your success.

During the course of the upcoming school year, I will share my vision for Manley Career Academy High School and create multiple opportunities for us to dialogue about the work necessary to reach our goals. I would also like to hear from you to determine how we can incorporate student voice as we move forward, together. I will challenge you with setting aggressive personal and academic goals to ensure you are prepared for the success that awaits you. Again, I am honored to be serving as your principal and I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

Melanie V. Beatty

Principal

Our Mission

The mission of Manley Career Academy is to prepare all students for college through a rigorous academic and career-education program. Manley will provide a school environment with high expectations and high standards around the core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection. Students, staff, parents, and community partners will work together so that all students learn at high levels of achievement.

Our Vision

The vision of Manley Career Academy is to produce students who think critically, question, and strive to improve themselves and their community. Our goal is to prepare life-long learners who are grounded by the core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection. Our purpose is to develop responsible citizens that are prepared for the rigors of the college and career experience.

Meet Your Counselor

Blondyne Browning

Office Hours 9am - 3pm
p (773) 534-6900 | f (773) 534-6924

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Schedule Change Protocol

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Manley History

The school opened as Hugh Manley Junior High School in 1928 by the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Board of Education. Manley was dedicated on September 28, 1928 along with another school; Spaulding School For The Crippled Children. The school cost $2.5 million and built to house a total of 3,000 students. Manley became a senior high school in 1933 when junior high schools were abolished in Chicago on July 12 of that year. Manley housed an elementary school within its building from 1933 until 1943. The U.S. Navy occupied the school building from January 1944 through the end of World War II to develop programs designed for and to aid in the war effort, which resulted in students being transferred to neighboring schools.

In September 1946, the school served as a trade school opening as Manley Trade and Vocational School, later becoming known as Cregier Vocational High School. By 1957, the trade school was relocated, and Manley was once again converted into an elementary and middle school. The elementary school was phased out and an extension of Marshall High School was created on the campus, serving at the location for two years: 1969–71. In June 1973, the Chicago Board of Education designated Manley as a "senior high school" and approved phasing out the seventh and eighth grade program. Manley's first senior high school graduating class occurred in June 1976.