This spring, CICS Northtown Academy is celebrating a remarkable achievement: 82 students have earned the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation of Biliteracy, more than double last year's 40 recipients. These scholars demonstrated proficiency across 11 languages, from Spanish and Arabic to Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hindi. And for the first time in CICS Northtown Academy's history, students have earned these prestigious awards in multiple languages.
The Illinois Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have achieved high levels of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This is more than a credential, it is validation that multilingualism is a strength, an asset, and a pathway to opportunity in an increasingly interconnected world.
This year's achievements by the numbers:
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53 students earned the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy—our highest distinction. Among them, 3 students demonstrated proficiency in multiple languages.
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29 students earned the Commendation of Biliteracy, a recognition of strong progress toward full bilingual proficiency. Of these, 2 students earned commendations in multiple languages.
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6 students achieved both the Seal and Commendation—a powerful demonstration of their dedication to linguistic excellence.
At CICS, we believe that every young person deserves an education that honors who they are and expands what they can become. For our students whose home languages extend beyond English, biliteracy is not a barrier to overcome—it's an identity to celebrate and develop.
This leap in biliteracy awards reflects the intentional work of our Multilingual Education team, the commitment of our teachers, and the brilliance of our students. It's a tangible reminder that when we create space for students' languages and cultures, they thrive.
"Their dedication to bridging cultures and languages is exactly what makes Northtown 'the world at home'!" - Dr. Joanne Tanner, Chief Executive Officer, Meridian Charter Schools.
Congratulations to all 82 award recipients and their families. And heartfelt thanks to the team at CICS Northtown who make multilingual success possible every single day.
