University of Chicago Charter School

Back to school is close at hand! Check out local resource fairs and free supplies. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/08/05/your-back-to-school-2026-guide-free-school-supplies-resource-fairs-and-more/

In June, NKO proudly celebrated its fifth-grade scholars during the annual Rites of Passage Ceremony, recognizing their leadership, resilience, character, and growth as they prepare for middle school. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited for what lies ahead. A special thank you to Rev. Dr. Sharice Bradford, Director of Development & Partnerships for the Office of the Chicago City Treasurer, for serving as our guest speaker and inspiring our scholars as they take this important next step.

Shoutout to UCW High School’s recently graduated Shi Booker-Williams, who earned the highest ACT math score in UCW history this year, receiving a remarkable 35 out of 36!

He will be attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall. He will be majoring in sports management, aspiring to become a sports agent and eventually a team owner. Congratulations, Shi!

Congratulations to the UCW High School Class of 2026! Their graduation ceremony at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel was one to remember. Every UCW Class of 2026 graduate who is attending a college, university, or trade school will receive a $1,000 scholarship from UCW High School. This class has set a new record of over $73 million in scholarships. We are so proud of this year’s seniors!

We are so proud of the 33 UCW scholars who represented UCCS at the Obama Presidential Center opening last month. This opportunity was a special way to recognize our students who demonstrate UCCS’s core values of scholarship, leadership, excellence, and grit. Barack Obama Presidential Center

The Illinois back-to-school sales tax holiday began last Friday, which means you can save money on back-to-school supplies. The state’s 6.25% sales tax will be cut to 1.25% on qualifying school supplies and clothing for children and teens. Find out more from Chalkbeat.

The grand total on your back-to-school shopping haul in Illinois might be lower than normal. Here’s why. Illinois families will have 10 days to enjoy the temporary relief in shopping costs.

Did you hear that Donoghue Director Dr. Shamilya Woods was named Principal of the Year by ChiGivesBack?!

ChiGivesBack named Donoghue Campus Director Dr. Shamilya Woods as 2026 Principal of the Year! She exemplifies the leadership, vision, and commitment that transforms schools and empowers students to thrive.

This recognition is part of ChiGivesBack’s initiative, which supports educators knowing they ultimately have to dip into their personal finances to build a positive and impactful classroom setting for their students. has generated over $80,000 in resources to support local educators who are committed to building great learning environments.

These funds are partially raised through ticket sales for the annual Honors Reception, this year happening on August 11 at the Godfrey Hotel Rooftop, where Dr. Woods’ award will be celebrated. A ticket includes passed appetizers and an open bar from 5:00-6:00 p.m. This event will feature live music and DJ!

Learn more and purchase tickets: https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/t2g/?mc_cid=1cd3a002a8&mc_eid=e7887b8cd0

We are thrilled to announce new positions for this school year.

ANGELA RICHMOND

UCCS has appointed Angel Richmond as Assistant Director of UCW Middle School. Angel served as UCW Middle School’s Campus Case Manager for the past seven years and brings more than 15 years of educational experience. At UCW, Angel has maintained exceptional compliance systems, facilitated complex student support processes, coached teachers and paraprofessionals, led professional development, partnered with families, and served as a key thought partner to school leadership.

DEVEAR PETERS

UCCS has appointed DeVear Peters as Interim Director of UCW High School for 2026–27. He has served UCCS since 2013 in a variety of leadership roles, including Middle School English Language Arts Teacher, Humanities Master Teacher Leader, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, High School Director of Academics and Assessments, and most recently, High School Assistant Director. His 13+ years of commitment to UCCS along with his instructional expertise and steady leadership make him well-positioned to guide UCW High School during this transition.

Back to school is Monday, August 24th!

Here's a message from our CEO:

Dear UChicago Charter School Families and Friends,

As we prepare to welcome our scholars back for a new school year, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead for the UChicago Charter School. One of the things that gives me the greatest confidence about our future is the extraordinary people who make up our community. Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside educators and leaders whose commitment to our students is matched only by their passion for helping them thrive.

This year, we are building on a strong foundation with talented leaders who embody our mission and our unwavering commitment to student success. In this newsletter, you'll read about UCCS’s newest leaders who reflect the depth of talent within our network as well as a well-deserved honor recognizing one of our exceptional campus leaders. These stories are reminders that our greatest strength has always been our people—the staff who show up every day with expertise, compassion, and an unwavering belief in our students.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. I look forward to all we will accomplish together this year and wish each of you a restorative end to the summer and a successful start to the school year.

Sincerely,
Aneesa Sergeant

Read the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/uchicago/charter-school-summer-newsletter-2026?e=e7887b8cd0

The UChicago Charter School welcomes exceptionally dedicated, capable and inspiring teachers, staff, and school leaders to join our team. We currently have 21 open positions. Check them out and apply! https://cusi.schoolspring.com