Polaris Charter Academy

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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.

09/04/2026

POLARIS is turning 20!

On September 4, 2007, a small group of educators, families, and students opened the doors of a brand-new school with the belief that Polaris would be a place Where Learning Has No Boundaries.

For twenty years, that belief has driven our work. Thousands of students. Hundreds of educators. Countless expeditions, Crew circles, breakthroughs, challenges, and moments when young people discovered, “I can do more than I thought possible.”

To celebrate this 20 year milestone, we are launching 20 for 20:
Give $20—Share with 20 people—Help us raise $20,000 in 20 days

DONATE TODAY: bit.ly/Polaris20for20

Whether you’re an alum, parent, educator, former staff member, family, or friend—join us in this celebration!

Twenty years. One Crew. Endless possibilities. Will you row with us?

Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA The Salvation Army Freedom Center Breakthrough Urban Ministries Chicago Public Library ELEducation

Polaris Charter Academy 20 for 20 Anniversary Campaign

09/03/2026

Nevertheless, flowers still grow. 🌸🌼

Even in this terrible heat, we hope these bright & beautiful flower collages bring a little color & joy to your day. Created by students in grades 3–8 in Ms. Bosch’s art class, each piece is a reminder that creativity can bloom anywhere.

Sin embargo, las flores siguen creciendo. 🌸🌼

Incluso con este calor terrible, esperamos que estos coloridos y hermosos collages de flores aporten un poco de alegría y color a tu día. Creados por estudiantes de 3.º a 8.º grado en la clase de arte de la Sra. Bosch, cada trabajo nos recuerda que la creatividad puede florecer en cualquier lugar. ELEducation Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kells Park Community Council Breakthrough Urban Ministries WGN Morning News WGN TV WTTW - Chicago PBS The Salvation Army Freedom Center Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools Chicago Botanic Garden

08/21/2026

📣Join us tomorrow for our Community Resource Fair!

Bring the whole family to connect with local organizations, explore helpful community resources, & learn more about Polaris Charter Academy

The event is FREE & family-friendly!

📅 Saturday, August 22
⏰ 12:00–3:00 PM
📍 Polaris Charter Academy, 620 N. Sawyer Ave.

We hope to see you there! 🧡💙

📣 ¡Acompáñenos mañana en nuestra Feria de Recursos Comunitarios!

Traiga a toda la familia para conocer organizaciones locales, descubrir recursos útiles para la comunidad y aprender más sobre Polaris Charter Academy.

¡El evento es GRATIS y para toda la familia!

📅 Sábado, 22 de agosto
⏰ 12:00–3:00 PM
📍 Polaris Charter Academy, 620 N. Sawyer Ave.

¡Esperamos verlos allí! 🧡💙

Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA The Salvation Army Freedom Center Breakthrough Urban Ministries Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools

08/17/2026

First Day at Polaris Charter Academy — & a very special year!

This year, we’re celebrating 20 years of Polaris Charter Academy— two decades of learning, growing, building community, & empowering young people to make a difference.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, let’s continue to think big, act boldly, & grow together as critical thinkers & active citizens.

Here’s to an amazing school year — & to the next chapter of Polaris!

¡Primer día en Polaris Charter Academy — y un año muy especial!

Este año celebramos 20 años de Polaris Charter Academy — dos décadas de aprendizaje, crecimiento, comunidad y de inspirar a nuestros jóvenes a marcar la diferencia.

Mientras celebramos nuestro 20.º aniversario, sigamos pensando en grande, actuando con valentía y creciendo juntos como pensadores críticos y ciudadanos activos.

¡Por un increíble año escolar y por el próximo capítulo de Polaris! Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA The Salvation Army Freedom Center Breakthrough Urban Ministries ELEducation WGN Morning News Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools WTTW - Chicago PBS Hope Ignites Chicago Building Hope

08/14/2026

Welcome back, Polaris families!

We’re excited to begin Trimester 1 on Monday, August 17. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. We can’t wait to see our students & start a great new school year together! ✨

¡Bienvenidas de nuevo, familias de Polaris Charter Academy! Estamos emocionados de comenzar el Primer Trimestre el lunes 17 de agosto. Las puertas abren a las 7:20 a. m. ¡Esperamos con entusiasmo ver a nuestros estudiantes y comenzar juntos un excelente nuevo año escolar! ✨
West Humboldt Park Development Council Kells Park Community Council The Salvation Army Freedom Center Breakthrough Urban Ministries ELEducation Illinois Network of Charter Schools Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools

08/10/2026

⭐Welcome Back!

A new school year means new adventures, new learning, & new opportunities! We can’t wait to welcome our Polaris Charter Academy scholars back & kick off Trimester 1 together.

🗓️ First Day of School Begins Monday, August 17, 2026

📞 Questions? Please call 773-534-0820

⭐ ¡Bienvenidos de regreso!

¡Un nuevo año escolar significa nuevas aventuras, nuevos aprendizajes y nuevas oportunidades! Estamos muy emocionados de darles la bienvenida nuevamente a nuestros estudiantes de Polaris Charter Academy y comenzar juntos el Primer Trimestre.

🗓️ Primer Día de Clases Lunes, 17 de agosto de 2026

📞 ¿Preguntas? Por favor llame al 773-534-0820 Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Breakthrough Urban Ministries Hope Ignites Chicago Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools The Salvation Army Freedom Center

07/16/2026

🎒 Get ready for back to school!

Join us for a FREE Back-to-School Health Fair on Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. at The Salvation Army Freedom Center. Enjoy free health services, school supplies, games, snacks, prizes, & a backpack giveaway while supplies last. Please bring immunization records. Registration closes at 12:30 p.m.

🎒 ¡Prepárense para el regreso a clases!

Acompáñenos a una Feria de Salud de Regreso a Clases GRATIS el sábado 25 de julio a las 10:00 a.m. en The Salvation Army Freedom Center. Habrá servicios de salud gratuitos, útiles escolares, juegos, refrigerios, premios y mochilas mientras duren las existencias. Favor de traer los registros de vacunación. La inscripción cierra a las 12:30 p.m. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Revolution Workshop Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools

06/21/2026

Thank you for being incredible role models & pillars of strength for our students! Your wisdom, patience, & unwavering support make a huge difference in our lives. Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, & appreciation. Happy Father's Day! 🎉❤️

Share a photo or story about your Dad in the comments!

¡Gracias por ser increíbles modelos a seguir y pilares de fortaleza para nuestros estudiantes! Su sabiduría, paciencia y apoyo incondicional marcan una gran diferencia en nuestras vidas. Les deseamos un día lleno de alegría, amor y gratitud. ¡Feliz Día del Padre! 🎉❤️

Cuéntanos sobre las figuras paternas que han moldeado tu vida en los comentarios. Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Breakthrough Urban Ministries Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools WGN Morning News WGN TV WTTW - Chicago PBS ELEducation

Address

620 N Sawyer Avenue
Chicago, IL
60624

Website

http://www.pcachicago.org/

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