Our Model of Education


For more than 30 years, The Chicago School has been known as an innovator in the field, working to push the boundaries and further the impact that psychology has on our world.

Our unique educational model—known as The Engaged Professional Model—is based heavily on learning through community service and on grooming students to be "engaged" and active participants in their communities, applying their knowledge and skills in new and powerful ways to serve the greater good.

From their first semester on campus, our students learn not only through their classroom work, but through an unparalleled range of real-world training experiences in diverse and challenging settings. They contribute their expertise in underserved communities, social service agencies, schools, hospitals, and even businesses—refining their professional skills while making a positive and lasting impact in the community.

The Engaged Professional Model re-defines the role of the professional. No longer limited to research or traditional clinical practice, engaged professionals are multiculturally and professionally proficient individuals who are integral parts of their communities, approach practice and scholarship from the broader view of innovators, transformers, and problem solvers, and use their disciplines to make positive and lasting impact on the world.


Bringing out "True Colors" in CPS Students

Chicago Public School students are literally reaping the rewards of applied behavior analysis. Prizes, privileges, pop songs, and bright colors are just some of the components of a behavioral intervention program implemented by Chicago School alumna Lorena Arevalo in low-performing schools to encourage academic achievement and good behavior.
CPS Students Show Their True Colors

CPS Schools ABA

Dr. Breeda McGrath

“A parent who is dealing with job loss may be using all of his cognitive resources just to cope, and has very little left over for the kids. And while kids don’t understand all of it, they...feel a sense of loss.”-Dr. Breeda McGrath, Associate Professor, School Psychology

Dr. Breeda McGrath

Insight Magazine

An award-winning magazine for Chicago School alumni, friends, and psychology professionals at large, INSIGHT magazine explores contemporary issues that influence the psychology profession and the impact that our discipline can have on our world.
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Insight