Polaris Elementary Charter Academy
Chicago, IL 60624
Phone: (773) 534-0820
District: City Of Chicago School District 299
GreatSchools Rating
charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 • 343 students
Polaris Elementary Charter Academy, a charter school located in Chicago, IL, serves grades K-8 in the Chicago Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Polaris Elementary Charter Academy is a charter school located in Chicago, IL. 343 students attend Polaris Elementary Charter Academy.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 2/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness data from Illinois State Board of Education, and using 2025 Illinois Science Assessment data from Illinois State Board of Education. |
| Student Growth | 5/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Illinois State Board of Education. |
Posted: September 14, 2023
The school was a good one but last couple years my child having a lot of bullying issues an the school from were I'm standing does not do anything but try an give excuses. Very disappointed an seriously thinking about filling complaints for race bullying they do not take care if issues an might be taking my child out that school to put in a better one . This is unacceptable. Things need change there an instead of teachers an school taking care of problem the right way they have my child call me like I can fix how there students act smh. Will not recommend to any Spanish kids poor kids will get made fun of cause there race smh. No good do better. Kids deserve that much.
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 14, 2023
Posted: September 19, 2019
Polaris teachers differentiate instruction to make sure all students are getting what they need to learn. They have a highly effective learning specialist team.
Posted: September 19, 2019
Polaris has a zero tolerance policy around bullying. Their approach to discipline is restorative and focused on supporting students to become self-disciplined.
Posted: September 19, 2019
Posted: September 19, 2019
Teachers are highly effective because they have a ton of professional development and experience teaching.
Posted: September 19, 2019
Polaris has been recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in character education. Their Points of Polaris (Integrity, Compassion, Explorer, Critical Thinker and Active Citizen ) has been studied by schools all over the globe.
Posted: September 19, 2019
The school has an award winning leadership team that is incredibly involved in the work of the school.
Posted: September 19, 2019
I am grateful that both of my children have attended Polaris since kindergarten. Polaris has taught my students to be effective learners and ethical people who want to contribute to a better world. They are not only ready for high school they are ready to be citizens of the world!
Posted: February 13, 2013
My son is in kindergarten at Polaris and our experience has been wonderful. His teacher is so kind and the rest of the staff is wonderful as well. I have been so impressed with how much my son is learning in such a short amount of time! The community atmosphere they have created at the school is also phenomenal, it really feels like one big family.
Posted: June 30, 2012
My three children attend Polaris, and they love it. They love to learn and be at school. The hands-on curriculum provides them with challenges and a real-world application for their learning. One of my kids consistently scores above the 95th percentile on standardized tests, and even he is challenged and loves to be at school. The culture of the school is excellent, with the "points of Polaris" expected of all students. They are taught from kindergarten to have integrity, be active citizens, be explorers, be critical thinkers, and to show compassion. The administration and staff put children first, and hold everyone to a high standard. While some parents have a hard time with the level of accountability, I believe it is the emphasis on the whole community coming together for the good of the child that makes this school the special place that it is.
Posted: May 28, 2012
I am very happy I selected Polaris Charter Academy for my kids. I can not say enough about how amazing this school is. The staff is always available and show concern. The teachers at Polaris want the kids to take ownership of the work they do. I love math night and literacy night where I can get a understanding on how to help my kids with home work. Polaris community works hard to bring out the very best in kids.
Posted: May 28, 2012
My daughter has been attending polaris for 4 years. I like the way the staff here is very concerned about my child. The best part is they know everyones name as the walk through the door. My first experience with the school was very good I was welcome with open arms. I also like the way they teach its hands on at first I was confusion with the learning and the trips but as the time went on it was easy.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forrestal Military Community | Neighborhood/Subdivision | North Chicago | IL | 29.3 mi | |
| 2 | Forest City Nimitz | Neighborhood/Subdivision | North Chicago | IL | 30 mi | |
| 3 | Woodlake Apartments | Apartment Complex | Gurnee | IL | 34.2 mi | |
| 4 | Reserve at Eagle Ridge | Apartment Complex | Waukegan | IL | 37.1 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libertyville | Libertyville | IL | 29.7 mi | |
| 2 | Waukegan | Waukegan | IL | 33.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Coast Guard Chicago | 14.9 mi. |
| Great Lakes Naval Station | 29.2 mi. |
