Nineteen years ago, a group of arts advocates, Chicago philanthropists, and determined educators came together to address a pressing need.



Across Chicagoland, one truth was undeniable:

Talent and passion were abundant. Opportunity was not.

After years of planning, partnership, and advocacy, ChiArts was approved by the Chicago Board of Education in 2007 and opened its doors in 2009 as Chicago’s first tuition-free, pre-professional arts high school.

The founding leaders and champions pictured above—from left to right, Teresa Milsap, José Ochoa, Sondra Berman Epstein, Betsy Holden, Sandra Guthman, and Kay and Jim Mabie—helped transform an ambitious idea into a thriving institution that would serve thousands of scholar-artists over the next seventeen years.


We also honor the dedicated founding board members (2009-2010) whose vision, leadership, and generosity helped bring ChiArts to life and sustain its growth: James L. Alexander, Armando M. Almendarez, Carlos Azcoitia, Joo Youn Bae, Carole Brown, Marge Collens, Amina Dickerson, Helen Eaton, Sondra Berman Epstein, James Gandre, Sandra Guthman, Francis Harrington, David Herro, Betsy Holden, Ramsey Lewis, Jim Mabie, Kay Mabie, and Charles Slamer, Jr.


We extend special gratitude to those whose legacies continue to inspire our community, including the late Marge Collens, whose commitment is carried forward through the continued support of her family and son, Steve Collens; the late Sondra Berman Epstein; and the late Jim Mabie, whose vision and generosity continue to inspire our community through the enduring leadership, advocacy, and support of his wife, Kay Mabie, and son, David Mabie.

But ChiArts was never built by leaders alone.

Without our families, guardians, and the ChiArts Parent Support Organization (PSO), ChiArts would not be here today.


You made it all possible, from late-night pick-ups after rehearsals, and snacks that fueled long school days, to advocacy at Chicago Board of Education meetings and the countless seats you filled at performances, exhibitions, and every Curtain Call. You showed up, year after year, for your scholar-artists and for this community.

These five philanthropic partners were among the earliest and most steadfast champions of the ChiArts mission. Their leadership and investment helped transform a bold vision into a thriving institution, opening doors for more than 1,800 scholar-artists to learn, create, and thrive.

CPS TRANSITION UPDATES

As Chicago Public Schools (CPS) prepares for the 2026–2027 school year, encouraging progress continues in support of the institution’s next chapter. During the final Community Incubation Meeting on June 10, CPS shared that eight certified arts educators—all current or former ChiArts teaching artists—have been hired, recruitment is underway for 20 Resident Artist positions, and additional arts-focused administrative and academic roles are being added to support students.

CPS also announced that longtime ChiArts leader Tracey Franklin will serve as Fine & Performing Arts Program Administrator, a role that will provide leadership for the school’s arts programming. In addition, CPS confirmed the school’s official new name: Chicago Arts High School.


For more information about these milestones and the transition process, please visit the CPS ChiArts Transition Page.


As previously shared, the ChiArts Foundation will conclude operations and fundraising activities on June 30, 2026. Beginning July 1, Children First Fund, the Chicago Public Schools Foundation, will serve as Chicago Arts High School’s philanthropic partner. Supporters who wish to receive future school-specific updates and fundraising communications after July 1 can sign up through Children First Fund and select the ChiArts option.

Thank you for being part of this community and for your continued investment in the next generation of Chicago artists and creative leaders.