Welcome to Polaris Charter Academy

We are a new K-8 charter school that opened in the fall of 2007 in the Chicago neighborhood of Humboldt Park. As an official Expeditionary Learning school, our model is learning by doing.  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.

In our first year, we will enroll 150 students in grades K-2, and expand in grades in the following years. We still have spots for new students for the 2007-2008 school year.

Polaris would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations who have already supported the school with your generous donations, time, and energy. As the weather turns cold, we are in need of khaki pants (sizes 6-14), hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves for our students.  We are still seeking many items, both new and gently used -- if you would like to make a donation, please see our wish list and contact us. 

We are also happy to introduce the Polaris stamp, a great way to support Polaris and add a festive touch to your mailings.  Order here!  We can only succeed with the help of the broader community, including yourself.

Learn about our upcoming expeditions -- “Talkin’ Trash”, in which students learn about how we create waste and its impact on our world, and “Water Works!”, an indoor and outdoor water laboratory -- and how you can support them, here.