
October 1, 2024
October is Principal Appreciation Month , a time to honor and celebrate the leaders who make a difference in our schools every day. At CICS Irving Park, we are so grateful to hav...
March 10, 2025
International Social Emotional Learning Day on March 10th is a way to celebrate the way SEL is “Uplifting Hearts, Connecting Minds.” Studies show SEL reduces stress and promotes...

March 6, 2025
Every year, Distinctive Schools administers federally-required state assessments that help us gauge how our students are growing academically compared to their peers across the st...

February 18, 2025
Chicago, IL – February 18, 2025 – Distinctive Schools is excited to announce the appointment of Mary Beck as its new President, effective February 10, 2025. Beck, a longtime edu...

February 11, 2025
At Distinctive Schools, we believe strongly in the power of student voice – insight shared directly from our students is invaluable to us. Our Learner Advisory embodies this pr...

February 10, 2025
Every year, Distinctive Schools administers federally-required state assessments that help us gauge how our students are growing academically compared to their peers across the st...

February 4, 2025
At Distinctive Schools, we are committed to creating a supportive, student-centered environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. This work wouldn’t be possible wit...

December 18, 2024
For Magaly Zuniga , once a student walking the halls at CICS Irving Park and a graduate of the class of 2016, CICS Irving Park is her home away from home. Magaly, who attended ou...

November 14, 2024
November is a time to share gratitude, and our CICS Irving Park community has so much to be grateful for. One of the things we are most grateful for is the tireless advocacy of ou...

October 28, 2024
CICS Bucktown hosted the 14th annual Distinctive Schools high school fair connecting students from CICS Bucktown, CICS Irving Park, and CICS West Belden with over 40 high scho...

September 16, 2024
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Distinctive Schools is spotlighting our incredible bilingual programming. Our commitment to bilingual education isn't just about teaching two ...

September 6, 2024
Still looking for the right fit for your student? Distinctive Schools campuses are still accepting K–12 grade applications for the 2024–2025 school year! Whether your child has ju...

September 5, 2024
In case you missed this and would like to receive this in your email, you can sign up here . Welcome! Distinctive Schools Partners & Friends – We are officially of...

July 23, 2024
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Distinctive Schools community! Our CEO, Scott Frauenheim, has been selected as a fellow for Leadership Greater Chicago’s 40th...

June 27, 2024
The partnership provides certification assistance for teachers at high-performing public charter schools in Chicago. American College of EducationⓇ (ACE ) recently partnered wit...

May 27, 2024
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health in our campuses by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No...

April 26, 2024
April 24, 2024 - In a groundbreaking collaboration, PeacePlayers Chicago and Distinctive Schools joined forces to present "Our Voice Matters," a special Martin Luther King Jr. C...

February 9, 2024
National School Counseling Week is February 5th-9th. We thank our school counselors for their contributions to our students and school communities. School counselors help studen...

January 12, 2024
Social workers serve as a lifeline during challenging times. Embarking on a career in social work requires hands-on experience and a commitment to making a positive community impa...

December 22, 2023
Happy holidays! With winter break upon us, we encourage you to relax, unwind, and settle into a safe and restful break.
The holiday season is a time for togetherness and joy, b...