Student Life

We provide Chicago children with a high-quality dual language education that values their unique life experience, language, and culture.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy mirrors that of Responsive Classroom. Why and how we teach is as important as what we teach. What we know and believe about our students—individually, culturally, developmentally—informs our expec­tations, reactions, and attitudes about those students. Partnering with families—knowing them and valuing their contributions—is as important as knowing the children we teach.

Our foundational pillars form the basis of our academics:

Students working on an assignment in a classroom.
PILLAR 1

Lifelong Learning

Preparing students and families to pursue higher learning through rigorous curriculum, trips to college campuses, and classroom culture.

Teacher teaching Spanish to a group of students
PILLAR 2

Dual Language

Speaking multiple languages benefits all—it boosts literacy skills, self-esteem, world-view, and fosters the joy of experiencing your own and other’s cultures.

PILLAR 3
Erie uses the whole child approach.

Whole Child

Focusing on the individual child by engaging community, centering on long-term success strategies, & social-emotional wellness.

Enrichment programs

Participating in music, art, movement, and other enrichment activities fosters an equitable learning environment, where all students and adults feel respected, valued and affirmed in their individual interests, talents, social identities, cultural values, and backgrounds.

Campus visits

Erie plants the seeds of lifelong learning starting in Kindergarten with every student attending field trips to college and university institutions every year. Field trips provide relevant and enriching experiences to connect classroom learning to the real world.

15 campuses

The average number of high school and college campuses that each student attends before graduating 8th grade

Our impact

Our curriculum helps students develop their academic and social-emotional skills so that they can go on to achieve their dreams.

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Who we serve

We contribute to the Humboldt Park community by providing opportunities for collaboration in our mission to ensure high quality & equitable education.

Student demographics: 85.1% Hispanic, 11.7% Black, 1% White, 0.3% Asian, 1.8% Other.
77%

of Erie 8th graders in the Dual Language program earn the State Seal of Biliteracy Award compared to a district pass rate of 50%

Alumni spotlight

Our alumni stay connected and continue to enrich our school community.

Enrolling now

Erie Elementary is an open enrollment, free public Charter school now accepting applications for K-8 in English and Spanish. We are now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year.