1. How many credits does it take to graduate?
TMC uses an 18-credit track system. Students must earn the appropriate amounts of credit in the core subjects under the guidance of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
2. When does school start?
TMC follows the same calendar as Chicago Public Schools, and begins Monday, August 24, 2026.
3. Does TMC require uniforms?
There is no official uniform for our school, however, students are asked to follow a dress code that Truman College has established for us.
All students are required to wear their TMC issued ID to school every day.
No hoodies
No pants below the waist
No drug, alcohol, offensive or gang paraphernalia
No revealing clothing (i.e. short shorts, short skirts/dresses, tank tops, spaghetti straps, transparent clothing, bare midriffs or backs).
No hats or head covers such as scarves should be worn at any time in the building.
4. Is there free transportation to TMC?
No, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school. TMC is easily accessible by CTA (red line, multiple bus lines) due to its location at Wilson and Broadway Avenue. All students receive a student rate Ventra card that reduces the price of each ride. There is also covered student parking free of charge. Homeless students may be provided transportation assistance
5. Does TMC provide a lunch program?
There are many ways to get involved with TRUMAN MIDDLE COLLEGE. Attend one of our events, become a member, or volunteer your time. We'd love to have you on board!
6. Does TMC offer a full graduation ceremony?
Yes, TMC has a formal ceremony every June for that school year's graduates.
7. Does TMC offer a formal senior prom?
No, TMC does not have its own prom. However, TMC provides opportunities for students to attend the Alternative Schools Network (ASN) prom.
8. What are the expectations of parental involvement?
Parents are invited to be active participants in their child's learning experiences. TMC invites parents to quarterly parent workshops to learn about school news, upcoming events, post-secondary topics, mental health, legal assistance and more. TMC sends out regular announcements through PowerSchool, our student information system, to provide parents pertinent announcements and attendance updates on their son/daughter.
1. Who is eligible to enroll?
If you are interested in attending TMC, you must:
-Complete an application online at www.yccsenroll.com (Rank TMC-#530 as your 1" choice school!) Be a resident of Chicago
-Be 16-21 years of age
2. What is the minimum credit I must have to enroll at TMC?
There is no minimum. If you meet the eligibility requirements of our school, we welcome students with a low number of credits (or none at all). We do evaluate all transcripts from former high school coursework to assist in giving students an idea of how long it will take to complete our diploma program.
3. Do I have to be a high school dropout to attend TMC?
No. Our specialty is providing high school students who are not succeeding in traditional public high school settings with a second chance at a diploma. Several of our students come to us because they have dropped out, have been chronically truant (absent) from school, and/or personal & family issues prevented them from attending regularly. Others, however, come to us because they prefer a small school setting and are seeking individualized study and attention.
1. What is the cost of admission and attending TMC?
-There is no cost to apply or enroll. However, there is an annual registration fee for new and returning students. This School Activity fee is paid upon enrollment. TMC's objective is to keep this fee extremely affordable and has never exceeded $150 for an entire school year. We also can create payment plans for the school fee.
2. What is the admission process?
Step 1: Apply online to our lottery; at www.yccsenroll.com.
-Ensure you are considered for TMC by listing our campus TMC (#530) as your #1 choice!
Step 2: Schedule admission informational session with TMC.
-A TMC staff member will email you and call you through the contact information you provided on your application to invite you to one of our open house style informational sessions. We will confirm your preferred
date/time and set your appointment to come to our campus.
-We ask that potential students bring a photo ID and a transcript to this event
Step 3: Attend TMC Informational Session
-TMC's School Counselor will present students and their families with all of the details of our school; our requirements, our expectations, and our (many) great opportunities. You will learn about the day-to-day running of the school, get questions answered and decide if you want to pursue enrollment
Step 4: Attend NEW STUDENT Orientation
-Students will be notified of their acceptance to TMC (phone and email), and their orientation date(s). This event usually occurs before school officially begins.