Our Core Purpose

We’re not here to define students' futures; we’re here to give them the support and academically rigorous preparation to shape it themselves. We create schools where every member of our community is seen, affirmed, and equipped to succeed—because every learner, family, and educator deserves a place to belong.

Our commitment is to create safe, inclusive spaces where belonging is a shared foundation. Rooted in Chicago’s neighborhoods, our diverse, community-centered schools offer rigorous academics, whole-child
development, and clear pathways to college, career, and life beyond graduation. 

Across our 13 schools, we provide a range of tuition-free school models to meet every student's needs, champion student agency, celebrate cultural identity, and empower educators to make a lasting impact.

Our Vision

We envision a Chicago where every community is recognized for educational excellence. At CICS, we create schools where students are not only engaged but empowered, where educators are valued and supported, and where families are confident that their children are thriving in a safe and joyful environment that nurtures, challenges, and prepares them for the futures they choose.

Our Mission

CICS creates schools where students feel a deep sense of belonging—they are seen, affirmed, and supported by educators who reflect their communities and identities.

Through high-quality instruction, whole-child development, and diverse programming, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enter high school, pursue college, career, or any path they proudly choose.

Our Values

At CICS, our values define who we are and how we serve. They ground our work in excellence and equity, while inspiring us to create schools where every child feels challenged, supported, and seen. These commitments guide our educators, empower our students, and connect us deeply to the communities we call home.

Together, they reflect both our vision for learning today and our promise for the future: to nurture scholars who are prepared, confident, and equipped to thrive in whatever path they choose.

Excellence with Purpose

We set a high bar for teaching and learning—grounded in rigor, relevance, accountability, and real impact. Every classroom is a space where curiosity is cultivated, critical thinking is expected, and achievement is accessible to all.

Whole-Child Commitment

We support the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of every student. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and restorative practices, we help young people grow not just as students, but as whole individuals ready to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Community-Rooted

Our schools are deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve. We celebrate local cultures, build trust through representation, and uplift the voices of families and communities as equal partners in our students’ journeys.

Pathways of Possibility

We offer diverse programming that opens doors to college, careers, and life beyond graduation. Whether students have a goal in mind or are still discovering their path, we help them find their direction, build confidence, and prepare them for the future they choose.

Belonging

We prioritize equitable access to high-quality learning, where every student’s voice is heard and every identity is honored. By championing student choice and agency, we cultivate spaces of true belonging—where learners feel safe to be themselves and empowered to shape their own futures.

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Chicago International Charter School

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Chicago, IL, 60603
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