FAQs About Funding

What are Civitas’ revenue sources?

Civitas schools are public schools, so their basic funding comes from the state, federal and local sources that support other public schools. Civitas Schools receives a per pupil allocation from the Chicago Public School (CPS) system to educate students enrolled in one of its schools. Charter schools in Chicago receive, on average, 82 cents for every dollar given to a traditional public school.

Are Civitas Schools more expensive to operate than regular public schools?

Due to the reduced per pupil funding as compared with local school districts and the strict academic accountability measures charter schools are tasked with, we are called upon to provide enhanced educational services, and to do it with less money.

Who pays for Civitas’ extended school day and year?

To meet the additional costs of a longer school day and longer school year, and fill the gap from the reduced public dollars, private funding must make up approximately 6-10% of each school's budget. As new program initiatives are developed at each school, additional support will be needed for those additional programs.

How can I donate to Civitas’ Schools and is my donation tax-exempt?

Although Civitas Schools is not a non-profit organization, your donation goes directly to the students we serve and therefore is 100% tax-deductable to the fullest extent of the law

Join Civitas Schools Campuses at the 5th Annual New Schools EXPO

Looking for a high-quality school for your child? Join Civitas Schools campuses- CICS Northtown, CICS Ralph Ellison, and CICS Wrightwood at Soldier Field on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 for the 5th Annual New Schools EXPO. Read more