Distinctive Schools High School Fair

Our 7th Annual High School Fair

The Distinctive Schools High School Fair is an opportunity for 8th grade students across our network to survey high schools from across the area of Chicago.  Through this dedicated and targeted exploration, they not only learn about a wide range of top-notch educational opportunities but also about themselves.  Through interactive workshops and panels, they are able to delve deeper into the high school experience and acquire tools towards greater success in the next four years and beyond.

The high school fair also gives high school representatives and DS partner organizations the opportunity to bring to life the unique educational experience of their schools and the services they offer to assist students and families through the high school exploration process. Through this opportunity, these schools and organizations will be provided a glimpse into the Distinctive Schools Vision, to ‘innovate, trail-blaze and collaboratively lead a public education transformation that positively impacts the greater education community and ensures that each and every one of our Distinctive Schools students thrives in college, career and life.’ ​

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High School Fair Workshops 2017:

Searching for My ‘Best Fit’ High School
Kids First Chicago
Irma Cormier and colleagues

Kids First Chicago helps families explore different schools and programs, finding quality options that are a good fit for both child and family.  They then help them complete their applications and navigate the processes for different school and program types.  Kids First Chicago partners directly with schools and community organizations to help their families navigate CPS' enrollment process.

Executive Functioning, Goal Setting, and Character Building
Mentoring You: College and Career Readiness Program
Darcel Washington and colleagues

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The mission of Mentoring You is to increase college enrollment within under-served communities. They believe mentoring, inspiring and empowering youth will help them reach their full potential.  Their team of highly qualified educators and mentors strives to inspire the minds of youth and help them reach their full potential.  Mentoring You partners with parents, counselors, schools, youth organizations and churches to provide middle and high school students with individual 1:1 and group college and career mentoring and counseling, because they strongly believe that education is the key to our youth success!  They provide middle and high school students with the necessary skills, resources and mentorship they need in order for them to graduate high school and college ready to compete with in a globalized job market.  Through this workshop, Mentoring You discussed the importance of both tangible practices and intangible traits to help students set themselves up for success in high school, college, and life.​

Alumni Panel w Q&A
Distinctive Schools High School Students

In this workshop, current high school students from Distinctive Schools Chicago campuses shared their stories of their high school search process and current high school experience. Eighth graders also had the opportunity to ask questions of panel members, enriching their understanding of various high school options and the high school journey as a whole.

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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Kids First Chicago & New Schools for Chicago!