At CICS, we understand that it takes a village to build and sustain a thriving school community—and our assistant principals are the unsung heroes who lead by example every single day.

During National Assistant Principals Week, CICS is shining a spotlight on these educators who juggle multiple responsibilities with grace, grit, and determination. APs greet students by name before the morning bell, coach teachers, diffuse challenging situations, and champion positive and welcoming school cultures. In summary, APs do it all!

We are proud to announce that CICS Northtown Academy has been ranked as the #10 best high school in Illinois according to Niche and recognized as one of the top high schools in Chicago by Chicago Reader!

Neyda Estefania, a standout student from CICS Northtown Academy’s Class of 2025, has been selected as a 2024 Chicago Cubs Scholar. This prestigious honor was awarded to only 13 students across all of Chicago Public Schools. Each recipient receives a $20,000 scholarship and access to Cubs College Prep, a mentoring program designed to support the transition from high school to college.  

CICS Northtown Sports Camps 2025 – Register Now!
Get ready for an action-packed summer at CICS Northtown! Our Sports Camps are designed for athletes of all skill levels who want to enhance their game, stay active, and have fun. Whether you’re into basketball, soccer, football, or more, our expert coaches will help you develop your skills. Don’t miss this opportunity—sign up today!

This winter, Chicago International Charter School (CICS) hosted State Representatives Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. (40th District), Will Guzzardi (39th District), and Michael Kelly (15th District), and Chicago Board of Education Member Jennifer Custer (District 1B) at CICS Irving Park, CICS Bucktown, and CICS Northtown Academy, respectively.   

Walk into the CICS Northtown Academy library on any given afternoon, and you’ll find more than just shelves lined with books. You’ll find students deep in discussion, debating the motives of literary characters, or lost in the pages of a novel they can’t put down. At the heart of it all is Jim Klise—a librarian, mentor, and champion of literacy who has dedicated over two decades to making reading an essential part of student life.

At CICS, we believe that every student deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated from day one. That is why we’re proud to launch the Ellison Excellence Award—a new and unique initiative designed to inspire and reward incoming freshmen at CICS Ralph Ellison Academy. 

Beginning this fall, all 9th grade students at CICS Ralph Ellison—the Class of 2029—will be eligible to earn up to $1,000 in recognition of their academic performance, strong attendance, and positive behavior.

We are thrilled to share that Dr. David Lewis, Principal of CICS Wrightwood, managed by Meridian Charter Schools, is featured in the latest issue of CPS School Leaders Magazine! This recognition highlights his exceptional leadership and commitment to empowering students, teachers, and families at CICS Wrightwood.