We prepare students for a future shaped by choice, not by chance.
With 13 tuition-free public schools across Chicago, there's something for every learner.
Applications are open for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year. Join one of our tuition-free public schools and help your child build a future shaped by choice, not chance.
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.
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.


CICS by the Numbers
More than 7,000 students from across Chicago choose to enroll in a CICS School.
Nearly 900 dedicated individuals choose to work at a CICS school.
Our portfolio includes 10 elementary and 3 high schools across the city.
60 percent of our principals identify as Black - 6 times the national average.
Be part of a mission-driven network shaping the future of Chicago’s students. At CICS, we value creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to helping every child thrive. Explore opportunities to grow your career — and make a lasting impact.