CICS Irving Park -

Distinctive Schools is proud of our collaborative, innovative, and welcoming educational experience, where every student truly belongs. Distinctive students become confident advoc...

As summer is in full swing, we’re taking a moment to reflect on and celebrate the incredible 2024–25 school year at CICS Irving Park —a year defined by connection, creativity, a...

We’re excited to share our Anytime, Anywhere Learning Resources packed with summer activities, local events, and community opportunities happening all across the city. You can...

At Distinctive Schools, we believe that summer break is a vital opportunity for our community of students, families, and staff to rejuvenate and embrace the joys of the season. Wh...

Distinctive Schools is buzzing with excitement, pride, and a touch of bittersweet farewells as we celebrate our incredible "Step Up" ceremonies across our campuses! This special...

This is Part II in a three-part blog series exploring how Distinctive Schools is approaching artificial intelligence (AI) in education. From building custom tools to supporting s...

May is Mental Health Awareness month. At Distinctive Schools, we believe in fostering a culture where open, compassionate conversations about mental health are encouraged and are ...

April is Stress Awareness Month—a reminder to prioritize mental well-being. With academic and daily demands, Distinctive Schools students and families should take intentional mome...

On Saturday, April 12, from 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., come together with the CICS Irving Park (3820 N. Spaulding Ave.) community for a day of creativity, connection, and celebra...

No two Distinctive Schools Assistant Principals are exactly alike, but they all share a deep commitment to ignite teacher leadership and champion student excellence. As we prepa...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...