Family Corner

the meridian promise

We understand the profound trust you place in us with your child’s future. Our promise is to provide an education that not only supports their growth but also inspires them to achieve their highest potential, every step of the way.

1

Reassurance of rigorous instruction that challenges your child appropriately 

2

Endless opportunities and access to valuable resources for your child’s growth 

3

Open and honest communication, keeping you connected with your child’s school

4

Support and guidance as your child navigates their path to post-secondary education

5

A lifelong sense of family and belonging through their school community 

Resources for Families

We are dedicated to offering a wide range of services and support tailored to meet your family’s unique needs. We take pride in serving an increasingly diverse student body, where the rich variety of cultures, languages, and backgrounds your child brings are celebrated. Our commitment to your child’s success extends beyond the classroom—from language support to active collaboration with you, we are here to ensure your child receives the education they deserve to achieve the future they’ve always dreamed of. 

Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC)

At Meridian Charter Schools, Bilingual Advisory Committees (BACs) create a collaborative environment where families of multilingual learners (MLs) work alongside the school team to enhance the academic, social, and cultural development of all ML students.


BAC meetings focus on topics pertinent to the education of MLs in Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) or Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) contexts. These meetings also provide families with valuable information regarding available services, programs, and resources. Parents receive training to effectively contribute to the governance of bilingual education.


Meridian Charter Schools’ BAC convenes at least five times annually, providing training sessions and workshops for parents. Each year, five officers are elected to represent the BAC and collaborate with the Multilingual Education Coordinator throughout the school year.


The BAC Handbook, available in multiple languages, offers comprehensive details about the organization and operation of BACs within our school community.

Bilingual Advisory Committee Handbook Links

Special Education Services​

At Meridian Charter Schools, we provide a variety of services and resources designed to assist families of diverse learners in understanding special education. In partnership with Chicago Public Schools, we work diligently to ensure that all children receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. Our collaborative efforts focus on creating an inclusive environment that fosters academic success, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.

We aim to equip our students for future employment opportunities, continued education, and independent living by offering specialized support, guidance, and resources. Together, we strive to partner with pur students and families, ensuring that every child has the tools and support needed to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.

Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)

At Meridian Charter Schools, we are committed to protecting the educational rights of students experiencing housing instability, ensuring they receive all the services, programs, and activities available to those in stable housing.

In This Section:
STLS Program eligibility
school enrollment
transportation
other benefits

For students without permanent housing, attending school and staying on track academically can pose numerous challenges. Meridian Charter Schools actively work to eliminate these barriers for qualified students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), providing essential services such as transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers, and referrals to community resources.


To determine if your student and family qualify for STLS services, please reach out to the STLS Liaison at your school. Every Meridian Charter Schools campus has an STLS Liaison available to assist.


To learn more about STLS eligibility,
view CPS’ FAQs.

School Enrollment
Students in Temporary Living Situations Can:
Immediately enroll in any Meridian Charter School campus, even if they lack health, immunization or school records, proof of guardianship, proof of residency, or any other documentation normally required for school enrollment.
Enroll without an adult present, if qualified as Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, as determined by the STLS Liaison.
The Options for School Enrollment Students in Temporary Living Situations Have the Right to Enroll in Either:
Their school of origin. The school of origin is the school the student attended when permanently housed, or the school in which the student was last enrolled.
Any school that students with stable housing who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.
Transportation

Meridian Charter Schools offer transportation assistance to students in temporary living situations who wish to continue their education at their school of origin, including those temporarily residing outside of Chicago due to housing instability.


There are two primary types of transportation available to assist students enrolled in the STLS program who are eligible for travel to and from their school of origin and related activities:

cta transportation

For students in grades 7 through 12, Ventra cards are provided for CTA transportation.

For students in sixth grade and younger, both the student and their parent or primary caregiver receive Ventra/Pace cards.

yellow school bus

If a child in sixth grade or younger does not have an adult available to accompany them on CTA transportation, the student or their parent/guardian can apply for hardship transportation. This allows Meridian Charter Schools to arrange yellow school bus service to transport students to and from school.

To learn more, please refer to the STLS Information on Transportation Assistance.

Other Benefits
School Fees

All school-related fees are waived for students enrolled in the STLS program.

Tutoring

Students in temporary living situations are eligible for after-school tutoring beyond what is available to other students.

Additional Services

Those who qualify for the STLS program may also receive free uniforms, school supplies, meals, and low-cost or free medical referrals.

Religious Accommodations at Meridian Charter Schools

At Meridian Charter Schools, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and honors the diverse religious beliefs of our students. Our approach to religious accommodations includes working closely with families to understand and implement reasonable accommodations, ensuring a respectful and inclusive experience for all students.


Religious Accommodations During the School Day

To support students’ religious practices throughout the school day, accommodations may include designated spaces for prayer, observing dietary requirements, and/or collaborating with families to address alternative schedules for religious observances.

Partnership with Families
We believe in the power of collaboration with parents and guardians to ensure that students’ religious accommodations are tailored and meaningful. Open communication with families helps us understand each student’s specific needs, allowing us to create individualized plans. Parents are encouraged to reach out to our school administration to discuss their child’s needs, and we welcome ongoing feedback to ensure that our accommodations remain supportive and effective.

Meridian Policies

We are dedicated to offering a wide range of services and support tailored to meet your family’s unique needs. We take pride in serving an increasingly diverse student body, where the rich variety of cultures, languages, and backgrounds your child brings are celebrated. Our commitment to your child’s success extends beyond the classroom—from language support to active collaboration with you, we are here to ensure your child receives the education they deserve to achieve the future they’ve always dreamed of. 

CICS Wellness Policy
Asbestos Management Plan
Financial Report
Student Handbook
CICS Anti-Bullying and Bias-Based Behaviors Policy
Parent/Guardian Concern Process
CPS Mental Health Resources for Students
CPS Reporting Sexual Misconduct
CPS Essa Title 1 Parent and Family Engagement Policy
CPS Health forms for Parents and Caregivers
CPS Emergency Management Plan
CPS Administration of Medication Forms
Stay Informed with the Meridian Newsletter 

Contact Information

MERIDIAN CHARTER SCHOOLS​

1006 S Michigan Avenue
Ste 301
Chicago, IL 60605

P: (312)-733-6790

CICS Northtown
Academy

3800 W Peterson Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

P: (773) 478-3655
F: (773) 527-2020

CICS Northtown Website

CICS ralph ellison
high school

1817 W. 80th St.
Chicago, IL 60620

P: (773) 478-4434
F: (773) 224-2594

CICS Ralph Ellison Website

CICS wrightwood elementary school

8130 S. California Ave
Chicago, IL 60652

P: (773) 434-4575
F: (773) 471-6178

CICS Wrightwood Website