
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 Bucktown Principal Kor...

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 20, 2025
At Distinctive Schools, we believe that a strong kindergarten experience lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. At CICS Bucktown , Kindergarten Mentor Teacher Kaycee Hj...

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 22, 2025
At CICS Bucktown , music teacher Norrisa Pearson is revolutionizing music education by blending tradition with innovation. With over 15 years of teaching experience, including ...

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 27, 2024
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to highlight Kaelyn Andrade , a graduate of CICS Bucktown, who now works at the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) in ...

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...