POLARIS ELEM CHARTER ACADEMY

Polaris Elem Charter Academy is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 school district, located in Chicago, IL with about 434 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 2 teachers, Polaris Elem Charter Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 217:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Polaris Charter Academy, located in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, is a K-8 public charter school founded on the educational principles of EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning). The school distinguishes itself through a rigorous, project-based curriculum that emphasizes "learning expeditions"—long-term, in-depth studies that connect academic standards to real-world issues. By prioritizing hands-on experiences, service learning, and critical thinking, Polaris aims to cultivate students who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and civically engaged citizens.

Beyond its academic structure, Polaris is deeply rooted in a culture of character development, centering its community around a set of core values known as the "Polaris Compass," which includes traits like integrity, perseverance, and craftsmanship. The school maintains a strong emphasis on restorative practices and restorative justice to foster a supportive, inclusive environment. With a mission to close the achievement gap for students in under-resourced communities, the academy is widely recognized for its commitment to high expectations and the belief that every student can achieve excellence through character and academic work.

For more information, contact Polaris Elem Charter Academy at (773) 534-0820 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.