CICS Ralph Ellison

CICS Ralph Ellison is a dynamic urban high school dedicated to providing students with a rigorous college preparatory education that equips them with the intellectual skills, cultural competence, self-confidence, and community engagement necessary for success in school, college, the workplace, and life.

Named after the renowned African-American writer and teacher Ralph Ellison, whose groundbreaking novel Invisible Man reshaped how we think about race, identity, and the American experience, our school draws inspiration from his transformative work to foster critical thinking and self-awareness in our students.

Since opening in August 2006 with just 150 ninth-grade students, CICS Ellison has grown to its full capacity, serving nearly 600 students in grades 9-12. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver high-quality, college preparatory instruction, with a focus on academic rigor, relevance, and the building of meaningful relationships.

CICS Ellison is distinguished by its strong, supportive learning community, where educators work closely with students to nurture their academic, social, and personal growth. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative, enriching environment empowers students to excel and reach their full potential.