
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. We’re celebrating CICS West Belden Principal ...

March 17, 2025
This is Part I in a three-part blog series exploring how Distinctive Schools is approaching artificial intelligence (AI) in education. From building custom tools to supporting st...
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...

January 30, 2025
Earlier this year , CICS West Belden shared how our middle school math team was selected to be part of LEAP Innovations’ Pilot Network. Throughout the course of the Pilot Networ...

December 12, 2024
At CICS West Belden, we believe that all of our alumni are truly Distinctive. In this season of giving back, we are celebrating alumni Zenobia Ellis , who is studying to become a...

November 22, 2024
We’re continuing to share gratitude throughout November, today we are celebrating our CICS West Belden community, who have so much to be grateful for. We believe in the power of c...

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...

October 28, 2024
CICS West Belden’s goal has always been to improve student outcomes. This year, our middle school math team is taking this commitment to the next level by joining the LEAP Innovat...

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...

May 2, 2024
On April 25, 2024 an energetic assembly of CICS West Belden students eagerly lined up, bursting into cheers as the Enchanted Backpack van arrived to deliver a generous donation t...