Ralph Ellison High School is named for the African-American writer whose novels and essays were transformative in the realms of literature, history and the African-American identity.


Located on the South Side of Chicago, CICS Ellison wants to a difference in the lives of students in Chicago, by offering its students “a college preparatory education emphasizing rigor, relevance, and responsible leadership”.

As explained by OWP|P, the design sought to reflect Ellison’s legacy in the design. The front elevation of the addition is a glass curtain wall sandblasted with a quote from Ralph Ellison. The text is visible both from the interior library and science spaces and from the exterior to passersby and the community.