Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools

MISSION

Our mission is to provide an academic and culturally relevant program that integrates and balances cultural knowledge and improves competencies in reading, oral and written language, mathematics, science, technology, social studies, the arts, and the humanities.

AFRICAN CENTERED EDUCATION

Established in 1998, Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools (BSICS) is an African-centered network of charter schools comprised of two Chicago campuses: Betty Shabazz Academy (grades K-8) and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy (grades K-8). From inception, our school has consistently produced exemplary, high-achieving students who have self-confidence, a strong sense of cultural identity, and a commitment to make positive contributions to their community and the world.

WHAT IS AFRICAN-CENTERED EDUCATION?

Our school incorporates African cultural elements and influences found on each continent into every aspect of our school environment and curriculum. Cultural elements like language, the arts, tradition, ceremony, and values are used to instill in our students a sense of history, responsibility, accountability, community, extended family, propriety, and of course, pride. The culture and value-based protocols, and instructional routines we use daily have been developed and proven successful over the last 40 years by the Institute Of Positive Education. This model has shown that by integrating African culture, history, and values into our rigorous academic curriculum and throughout our school environment, and by hiring loving and committed teachers, the children we educate will develop the cultural pride and self-confidence they need to accelerate their pace of learning and excel academically.

BETTY SHABAZZ INTERNATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS

With a strong focus on leadership skills, sustainable living, and the arts, our educational program produces self-assured, yet humble, student leaders with an unwavering commitment to higher education and making an impact on the world. In addition, every morning each Betty Shabazz International Charter School campus begins with a school-wide “Unity Circle” in which students pledge self-determination, self-respect, community service and to lead principled lives. These pledges guide our students in living positive and productive lives.