Welcome to CICS Irving Park, a K–8 public charter school in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood! Every student at CICS Irving Park is welcomed and supported by a loving, caring environment from the moment they enter the door until they leave at the end of the day. Our positive, joyful school culture values student, teacher, and family voices. We ensure that all members of our awesome, powerful school community work together to reach higher levels of achievement and continuous growth. With dedicated teachers and differentiated instruction, we meet the needs of all learners. We have fun! We believe school should be a place to not only learn but to make new friends and learn the skills necessary to have successful relationships. 

Our school is one of the top-performing schools in our neighborhood as reflected in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Report Card! We credit this to the joyful and collaborative environment we’ve cultivated—one that keeps our students curious, challenges our staff, and gives families confidence that their children are receiving a rigorous and caring learning experience where it’s ok to make mistakes and grow. Our Makerspace further fuels the spirit of discovery, offering students hands-on opportunities to design, experiment, and create. 

At Distinctive Schools, we lead the charge in creating a collaborative, innovative, and welcoming public education experience. We were founded in 2011, by a passionate group of people who believed that every learner deserves access to a high-quality education where they are seen, supported, and celebrated. We elevate access, achievement, and belonging for every student so they may thrive throughout their education, career, and life. Our mission is to create diverse, joyful, welcoming communities where students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders. We are committed to building schools that truly feel like home – preparing students to thrive in a world of endless possibilities.