Art In Motion: The Newest Distinctive Schools Campus

Art In Motion: The Newest Distinctive Schools Campus

The Chicago Board of Education voted to approve the proposed facility for Art In Motion (AIM) on Wednesday, April 24. AIM will open in September 2019 at 7415 S. East End Ave and provide innovative arts opportunities and experiences in visual arts, music, digital media and creative agency. This is the result of a three-year, community-grown and led campaign to bring an arts-centered high school to the area. 

“On behalf of the AIM Board of Directors and staff, I thank the Chicago Board of Education for the approval of our facility,” said Dr. Karen Ratliff, chair of the AIM Board of Directors. “We could not be more excited to open our doors this fall and bring an arts-infused school to the South Side of Chicago.” 

AIM will cultivate a strong learning and working culture, and actively embed artistic, cultural, linguistic, and social emotional learning supports throughout the instructional day. Students will select a personalized arts path, receive mentoring daily and learn from theater, dance, music, digital media and visual art experts in a workshop setting. ​

Art In Motion is a community-driven partnership, which has the signed support of scores of community-based organizations and residents from the Greater Grand Crossing area. New Life Covenant Church Southeast and The Lynn Group partnered to bring this school to life. 

"It all began with a vision four years ago and now that vision is our reality," said Senior Pastor John F. Hannah of New Life Covenant Church Southeast.  "For AIM to become our reality, various parties had to come together and now AIM is scheduled to open this year."

The Lynn Group, founded by Lonnie Rashid Lynn – also known as Academy Award and Grammy-winning artist, actor and activist Common – is an ideal partner, given its authentic connection to Chicago families and Lynn’s passion for the arts. The Lynn Group brings vision, design, resources and arts expertise in support of closing equity and achievement gaps. It is dedicated to community engagement and development efforts to ensure the school’s success.

 “We are focused on the whole student – academics, arts, and wellness. Our commitment is to provide all the support and access to get them ready for a bright future,” said Common, founder of The Lynn Group. “I am most excited about what these young leaders will do in the world. I’m also very grateful for this opportunity to give back to my hometown in such a meaningful way.”

The AIM Board, with support from New Life and The Lynn Group, chose Distinctive Schools as the strong charter management organization (CMO) to lead day-to-day school oversight and management. ​

“We are thrilled to take our final step towards bringing a personalized, 21st-century performing arts curriculum to the South Side of Chicago,” said Scott Frauenheim, CEO of Distinctive Schools. “Distinctive Schools is dedicated to serving families throughout the community and creating a school that help students achieve their highest academic and artistic potential.”

AIM will accelerate student achievement with an innovative personalized learning model and reimagine the educational experience to address inequities and provide deep academic impact for students. It will serve seventh and eighth grade, growing one grade level each year to serve seventh through twelfth grade by 2023. Seventh and eighth grade applications for the 2019-2020 school year will open Thursday, April 25. ​

For more information, visit http://www.aimchicago.org. ​​