School Overview

 Little Black Pearl expanded its educational initiative in 2013 by opening Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy (LBPA) through a Chicago Public Schools contract. The mission of LBPA is to prepare students for the business of art through post-secondary experiences, facilitated in an enrich academic environment that infuses project-based art practices within an education program.

Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy has the capacity to serve up to 150 students in grades 9-12 with rigorous academic programming and emphasis in visual arts, technology, music, dance, graphic and architecture design.

LBPA continues to find ways to build relationships with our students and bridge that gap both internally and externally. One of the very successful activities that occur in school is the use of Restorative Justice practices as a first layer of interaction with behavior challenges that occur with students. In addition, the staff has developed external relationships with organizations in the community and throughout the city. These relationships are providing internship opportunities and employment skills training.