UNO Charter Schools

The UNO Charter School Network (UCSN) was founded as a 501(c)3 organization when the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) recognized the need to bolster public education in Chicago as a way to effect positive change in predominantly Hispanic communities. UCSN?s first school, UCSN Octavio Paz Elementary, was founded in 1998. Initially, management of school operations was provided to UCSN by an education management company in Boston. UCSN is focused on advancing the lives of community residents by challenging students, parents, and faculty to reach the highest academic standards. Over the past 17+ years, UCSN has increased educational opportunities for deserving and capable students in Chicago by expanding its network to include 13 K-8 elementary schools and three high schools. Mission:?The UNO Charter School Network (UCSN) believes that all students deserve the opportunity to realize their highest potential. Increasing in diversity but rooted in Hispanic communities, our educational model is anchored by strong parent partnerships, structured learning environments, rigorous curriculum, and an individualized approach that develops and empowers our students. For us, academic success is not a hope; it is an expectation.