
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...

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 9, 2025
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...

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 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...

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...

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...