Polaris Charter Academy

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Polaris Charter Academy

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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 doing. 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.

10/29/2026

At Polaris, students come to school with a purpose: to gain knowledge that will help them better serve themselves & their community. What better way to put that into action than by running for Student Council?

Today, our 5th–8th grade candidates for Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President gave speeches to the student body, making their case for why they deserve their votes. (Our presidential candidates delivered their speeches earlier.)

A big thank you to all our candidates for being Active Citizens, showing courage, & putting themselves out there!

🌟 And a special Shining Star Cheer to Ms. Bosch & Ms. Merriott for supporting & guiding our Polaris Charter Academy Student Council! West Humboldt Park Development Council Illinois Network of Charter Schools Kelly Hall YMCA The Salvation Army Freedom Center Chicago Sun-Times Breakthrough Urban Ministries Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools WGN Morning News WTTW - Chicago PBS ELEducation

10/28/2026

📚 Library Closure Notice

The Richard M. Daley Branch of the Chicago Public Library will be temporarily closed November 2 – December 4, 2026, for flooring and lighting improvements.

During this time, patrons are encouraged to visit the nearby Humboldt Park or Mable Manning branches.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our library! 📖

Please see the flyer below for additional details, locations, and hours. West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Breakthrough Urban Ministries The Salvation Army Freedom Center Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Schools

10/27/2026

🎃📚 BOOK CHARACTER COSTUME DAY IS THIS FRIDAY! 📚🎃

Get ready to bring your favorite books to life! 📖✨

This Friday, students are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character or a topic from their favorite informational book!

👻 Costume Guidelines:

🚫 No masks

🚫 No props (weapons, wands, etc.)

🚫 No inflatable costumes

🚫 No violent or inappropriate themes

🥜 No candy or snacks containing peanuts or peanut butter

📚 Reminder: This is a FULL day of school!

Let's end the week with creativity, imagination, & a celebration of our love for reading! 🎉📖

🎨 Special shoutout to 8th grader Larese for creating our flyer! 👏 West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Chicago Public Library Kells Park Community Council The Salvation Army Freedom Center ELEducation Illinois Network of Charter Schools

10/23/2026

📚 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 📚

The Polaris Charter Academy Scholastic Book Fair from Nov. 2–6
in Room 101

From beloved classics to exciting new reads & fascinating nonfiction, there’s a book for everyone! ✨

A portion of sales helps us add more books to our classroom libraries. Let’s get reading, Polaris! 💙 West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Chicago Public Library The Salvation Army Freedom Center Chicago Public Schools Scholastic

10/23/2026

Polaris families to join us for the Kelly Hall YMCA Fall Festival Skate Party!

This is a FREE family event, and we hope you can share the attached flyer with your families.

We hope to see everyone there in their costumes for an evening of skating, food, and fun! West Humboldt Park Development Council The Salvation Army Freedom Center Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Library Revolution Workshop 345 Art Gallery

10/21/2026

A HUGE thank you to everyone who made the 2026 High School Fair a success!

💙🧡 To our 6th–8th grade students: Your curiosity, questions, and enthusiasm are helping shape your future!

To our participating high schools: Thank you for sharing your time, wisdom, & opportunities with our students. Your guidance & encouragement make a difference!

Every question opens a door, & every opportunity brings your future into focus. 💙🧡 LINK Unlimited Scholars Golder College Prep, A Noble School UIC College Prep, A Noble School DRW College Prep, A Noble School Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, A Noble School Chicago Tech Academy St. Patrick High School Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School De La Salle Institute Legal Prep Charter Academies Our Lady of Tepeyac High School Providence St. Mel College Prep Intrinsic Schools

10/20/2026

Community Workout
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10AM - 12PM

Get moving with Breakthrough Urban Ministries before the Halloween candy hits!

Join us at the FamilyPlex for a free Community Workout designed for all fitness levels. Our coaches will guide you through a series of workout stations, so come ready to move, have fun, and get active!

Bring your energy and a water bottle. Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome to register at the door. West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Library The Salvation Army Freedom Center

10/20/2026

Trunk or Treat at the Gold Dome
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 12 - 4PM

This Saturday, our partners at New Landmark Missionary Baptist Church are hosting a Barnyard Bash at Horan Park.

There will be a petting zoo, pony and horse rides, face painting, pumpkin carving, and all Fall Festivities.

This event is free and open to the public. West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA The Salvation Army Freedom Center Kells Park Community Council Chicago Public Library

10/20/2026

Trunk or Treat at the Gold Dome
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 3 - 7PM

Come celebrate Halloween at the Garfield Park Gold Dome!

Join us on Saturday, October 31, for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat in partnership with our Garfield Park community partners!

Enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities, including games, face painting, food, hot chocolate, a coat giveaway, and a costume contest.

This event is FREE and open to everyone. Bring your family and friends and celebrate Halloween with us! West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA Breakthrough Urban Ministries The Salvation Army Freedom Center Chicago Public Library

10/16/2026

🎉20th Annual Polaris Homecoming Spirit Week! 🎉

Polaris Charter Academy knows how to bring the SPIRIT! 🧡💙

What an exciting week filled with school pride, fun, & Homecoming festivities! Our students & staff proudly showed off their Polaris orange & blue, celebrating with smiles, dance moves, & lots of Polar Bear pride! 🐻‍❄️ Students enjoyed a special Homecoming treat—delicious Polar Bear Kibble!

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing staff & families for helping make this week so memorable for our students! 🧡💙

Stay tuned! Next week, we'll share the video of our 7th & 8th Grade Cheer Battle in Community Crew! You won't want to miss it! 🎉
Illinois Network of Charter Schools West Humboldt Park Development Council Kelly Hall YMCA The Salvation Army Freedom Center ELEducation Chicago Public Library Chicago Public Schools Breakthrough Urban Ministries

Address

620 N Sawyer Avenue
Chicago, IL
60624

Website

http://www.pcachicago.org/

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