
June 16, 2025
Distinctive Schools is proud of our collaborative, innovative, and welcoming educational experience, where every student truly belongs. Distinctive students become confident advoc...

June 13, 2025
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...

June 10, 2025
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...

June 2, 2025
At Distinctive Schools, we believe true education extends beyond traditional boundaries, encouraging students to explore their passions. Our music classrooms are excellent example...

May 15, 2025
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 23, 2025
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...

April 7, 2025
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...

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...

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...

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...