Polaris Charter Academy

Polaris Charter Academy Where Learning Has No Boundaries... So what would it look like if an entire school was focused on this approach?

The mission of Polaris Charter Academy is to educate students to be self-motivated, creative, critical thinkers, with the ultimate goal of shaping life-long learners and citizens with a strong sense of personal and civic responsibility. While on sabbatical in the fall of 2005, three Golden Apple Award winning teachers identified the common thread of their best practices in teaching: learning by do

ing. Each founder had attributed their success in the classroom to a specific approach focused on participatory, hands-on, project-based learning and in-depth study of compelling topics. The vision of these award-winning teachers came to fruition when Polaris Charter Academy opening its doors in 2007 as the city’s first Expeditionary Learning school, a comprehensive educational reform model which grew out of a partnership between Harvard University and Outward Bound. PCA opened with grades K through 2nd and now serves 450 students in grades K through 8th. Polaris Charter Academy structures its sciences and social studies curriculum around “learning expeditions.” These in-depth investigations are different from traditional thematic units. Learning expeditions are long-term investigations spanning one or more trimesters that are developed around specific Illinois State Learning Standards. They related to real-world topics or concerns that make learning relevant to students’ lives. Learning expeditions provide a rigorous, stimulating educational experience that requires the application and mastery of a wide range of skills, including conducting research through interviews, surveys, books, and the internet. Students conduct fieldwork, learn from experts, work collaboratively and create authentic, high-quality end products for audiences beyond the classroom. Final products have been featured in the Chicago news, public libraries, organizational education programs, and more.

Congratulations to our amazing cast of Matilda the Musical Jr. for a fun & unforgettable performance. A special shout ou...
06/03/2026

Congratulations to our amazing cast of Matilda the Musical Jr. for a fun & unforgettable performance. A special shout out to our wonderful directors, Ms. Barrymore & Ms. Bosch, for bringing this production to life with so much creativity, care, & heart. Thank you to all of our families for attending & supporting our students. We are so proud of everyone involved! 💙

Felicitaciones a nuestro increíble elenco de Matilda the Musical Jr. por una presentación divertida e inolvidable. Un agradecimiento especial a nuestras maravillosas directoras, Ms. Barrymore y Ms. Bosch, por dar vida a esta producción con tanta creatividad, dedicación y cariño. Gracias a todas nuestras familias por asistir y apoyar a nuestros estudiantes. ¡Estamos muy orgullosos de todos! 💙 Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Uniting Voices Chicago Kells Park Community Council ELEducation Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Library WTTW - Chicago PBS WGN Morning News WGN TV

Our Polaris Charter Academy 8th graders, Class of 2026, are practicing for graduation this Friday at 10 a.m. at Westingh...
06/02/2026

Our Polaris Charter Academy 8th graders, Class of 2026, are practicing for graduation this Friday at 10 a.m. at Westinghouse College Prep. We are so proud of them & excited to celebrate this milestone as they prepare for their next chapter in high school! 💙✨

Nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado de Polaris Charter Academy, Clase de 2026, están practicando para su graduación este viernes a las 10 a.m. en Westinghouse College Prep. ¡Estamos muy orgullosos de ellos y emocionados de celebrar este logro mientras se preparan para su próximo capítulo en la escuela secundaria! 💙✨ Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Library Breakthrough Urban Ministries

05/29/2026

And just like that, Final Word has come to a close.

On our last day, we listened as our 8th graders stood before their classmates, families, & teachers to share pieces of their stories — where they have been, what they have learned, & who they are becoming.

Today, we proudly celebrated Erin, Ariel, Dre'von, Jayla, Keely, Juelz, Taliyah, Brook'Lyn, Ayana, Skarlette, Ke'miyah, and Anthony.

Final Word is more than a speech. It is a reminder of each student’s growth, courage, & voice. As graduation approaches on June 5, we are honored to celebrate this incredible class & all that lies ahead.

We are so proud of our 8th graders.

Y así, Palabras Finales ha llegado a su cierre.

En nuestro último día, escuchamos a nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado compartir partes de sus historias frente a sus compañeros, familias y maestros: dónde han estado, lo que han aprendido y en quiénes se están convirtiendo.

Hoy, celebramos con orgullo a Erin, Ariel, Dre'von, Jayla, Keely, Juelz, Taliyah, Brook'Lyn, Ayana, Skarlette, Ke'miyah y Anthony.

Palabras Finales es más que un discurso. Es un recordatorio del crecimiento, la valentía y la voz de cada estudiante. Mientras se acerca la graduación el 5 de junio, nos sentimos honrados de celebrar a esta increíble clase y todo lo que les espera.

Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council ELEducation WGN TV WGN Morning News Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools Breakthrough Urban Ministries The Salvation Army Freedom Center

05/28/2026

Final Word: Day Two

More stories that remind us why Final Word is such a meaningful Polaris tradition. On Day Two, our 8th graders shared reflections filled with courage, gratitude, growth, & hope for what comes next. Each speaker gave us a glimpse into their Polaris Charter Academy journey & the person they are becoming.

Today, we proudly celebrated Margot, Ra'Niya, Brayden, Christopher, Ta'Ziyah, Z'myrihanna, Robert, Amiere, Parish, Shalimar, and Aavion.

We are so proud of our 8th graders & excited to continue celebrating their voices throughout Final Word.

Palabras Finales: Día Dos

Más historias que nos recuerdan por qué Palabras Finales es una tradición tan significativa en Polaris.

En el Día Dos, nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado compartieron reflexiones llenas de valentía, gratitud, crecimiento y esperanza por lo que viene. Cada orador nos dio una mirada a su trayectoria en Polaris y a la persona en la que se está convirtiendo.

Hoy, celebramos con orgullo a Margot, Ra'Niya, Brayden, Christopher, Ta'Ziyah, Z'myrihanna, Robert, Amiere, Parish, Shalimar y Aavion.

Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado y emocionados de seguir celebrando sus voces durante Palabras Finales. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Breakthrough Urban Ministries ELEducation Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools WGN TV WTTW - Chicago PBS The Salvation Army Freedom Center Hope Ignites Chicago

Come support our talented students on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM Tickets are free. All students must be accompanied by a...
05/27/2026

Come support our talented students on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM Tickets are free. All students must be accompanied by an adult.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Vengan a apoyar a nuestros talentosos estudiantes el martes, 2 de junio a las 6:30 PM. Las entradas son gratis. Todos los estudiantes deben estar acompañados por un adulto.

¡Esperamos verlos allí! Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council WGN Morning News WGN TV WTTW - Chicago PBS Breakthrough Urban Ministries Uniting Voices Chicago

05/27/2026

Final Word: A Polaris Tradition

Day One of Final Word reminded us why this Polaris Charter Academy tradition is so powerful.

Final Word gives each 8th grader a moment to step into the spotlight & reflect on their journey — the challenges they have overcome, the lessons that have shaped them, & the dreams they are ready to pursue.

Today, we were proud to hear from Montrell, Anisha, Karrington, Aiden, Terrell, Maliyah, Samiyah, Skyla, Deon, Faith, Ashley, Makayla, & Stanley.

Their words were honest, thoughtful, and inspiring. They reminded us what young people are capable of when they are seen, supported, & encouraged to lead with purpose.

We are so proud of our 8th graders and excited to continue celebrating their voices throughout Final Word.

Palabras Finales: Una tradición de Polaris

El Día Uno de Palabras Finales nos recordó por qué esta tradición de Polaris Charter Academy es tan poderosa.

Palabras Finales le brinda a cada estudiante de 8.º grado un momento para pasar al frente y reflexionar sobre su trayectoria: los desafíos que ha superado, las lecciones que lo han formado y los sueños que está listo para perseguir.

Hoy, nos sentimos orgullosos de escuchar a Montrell, Anisha, Karrington, Aiden, Terrell, Maliyah, Samiyah, Skyla, Deon, Faith, Ashley, Makayla y Stanley.

Sus palabras fueron honestas, reflexivas e inspiradoras. Nos recordaron de lo que son capaces los jóvenes cuando son vistos, apoyados y animados a liderar con propósito.

Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado y emocionados de seguir celebrando sus voces durante Palabras Finales. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Breakthrough Urban Ministries The Salvation Army Freedom Center Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools WTTW - Chicago PBS WGN Morning News WGN TV Hope Ignites Chicago

Today, Polaris Charter Academy honors & remembers the brave men & women who gave their lives in service to our country. ...
05/25/2026

Today, Polaris Charter Academy honors & remembers the brave men & women who gave their lives in service to our country. As active citizens, we remember their courage & honor their service by helping build a stronger, more caring community.

Hoy, Polaris Charter Academy honra y recuerda a los valientes hombres y mujeres que dieron sus vidas al servicio de nuestro país. Como ciudadanos activos, recordamos su valentía y honramos su servicio ayudando a construir una comunidad más fuerte y solidaria. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kells Park Community Council Kelly Hall YMCA Chicago Public LibraryChicago Public Schools Hope Ignites Chicago Breakthrough Urban Ministries

Uniting Voices Chicago (UVC) sitework was one to remember!Our Polaris Charter Academy UVC choir joined students from aro...
05/23/2026

Uniting Voices Chicago (UVC) sitework was one to remember!

Our Polaris Charter Academy UVC choir joined students from around Chicago on stage at Navy Pier for an incredible concert & end-of-the-season celebration, honoring all their hard work this year.

They truly brought down the house with a show stopping performance! We are so proud of their dedication, talent, & growth.

A shining star cheer to Janaiiz, who was featured with a solo!

¡El trabajo de Uniting Voices Chicago (UVC) fue algo para recordar!

Nuestro coro UVC de Polaris Charter Academy se unió a estudiantes de todo Chicago en el escenario de Navy Pier para un concierto increíble y una celebración de fin de temporada, en honor a todo su arduo trabajo este año.

¡Realmente se robaron el espectáculo con una presentación espectacular! Estamos muy orgullosos de su dedicación, talento y crecimiento.

¡Un gran aplauso de “shining star” para Janaiiz, quien tuvo una participación destacada con un solo! Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Breakthrough Urban Ministries Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Library

Great opportunity for young people ages 16–24! America’s Next Young Investor is offering a 2026 Youth Internship & Caree...
05/22/2026

Great opportunity for young people ages 16–24!

America’s Next Young Investor is offering a 2026 Youth Internship & Career Cohort focused on financial literacy, personal finance, investing, and career readiness.

Program starts June 22 and runs for 8 weeks. Limited spots available—apply early!

For more information, text 586-843-5935 or email [email protected].

¡Gran oportunidad para jóvenes de 16 a 24 años!

America’s Next Young Investor ofrece una pasantía y cohorte de carrera juvenil 2026 enfocada en educación financiera, finanzas personales, inversiones y preparación profesional.

El programa comienza el 22 de junio y dura 8 semanas. ¡Los espacios son limitados—aplica pronto!

Para más información, envía un mensaje de texto al 586-843-5935 o escribe a [email protected]. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Breakthrough Urban Ministries Kells Park Community Council Revolution Workshop Chicago Public Library

Congratulations to Parish, Parish will be attending North-Grand High School Eagle Owls. As he begins this exciting next...
05/18/2026

Congratulations to Parish,

Parish will be attending North-Grand High School Eagle Owls. As he begins this exciting next chapter, he is carrying the Point of Integrity with him by putting forth strong effort & producing high-quality work he can be proud of. 💙🧡

We are so proud of you, Parish, & can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

¡Felicidades a Parish, Clase de 2026!

Parish asistirá a North Grand High School. Al comenzar este emocionante nuevo capítulo, llevará consigo el Punto de Integridad al esforzarse y producir trabajo de alta calidad del que pueda sentirse orgulloso.

¡Estamos muy orgullosos de ti, Parish, y estamos emocionados por ver todo lo que vas a lograr! Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Library ELEducation Breakthrough Urban Ministries Hope Ignites Chicago WGN Morning News WTTW - Chicago PBS

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620 N Sawyer Avenue
Chicago, IL
60624

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