Frazier International Magnet School - Chicago, IL

Frazier International is one of only nine authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) schools in the state of Illinois. Principal Faren D’Abell and former principal Colette Unger-Teasley created a framework for success in 2007 that continues to evolve and thrive through the efforts of dedicated staff, students, families and community partners. We are the second highest performing IB school in the state and the highest performing in Northern Illinois.

Frazier was created to address the lack of high-quality educational opportunities in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived in the neighborhood in 1966 and described the presence of a “color tax” on produce because only one grocery store was present in the neighborhood. Today there are still many more liquor stores than there are grocery stores in the neighborhood serving nearly 50,000 residents. Frazier International is a bright oasis of hope in the middle of a community faced with challenges.

Frazier International students are accustomed to new and exciting ways to learn. These instructional methods, accountability by all stakeholders for student learning, and administrative commitment and support are the reasons why our six-year growth is so impressive. We utilize the research-based Kagan Cooperative Learning structures as a means of helping all students, from gifted to struggling, feel valued, feel part of the class and school, and to have equal participation. Teachers use theatrics, hands-on activities, peer support, and creative field experiences to engage students.

Partnerships with university, foundation and arts organizations like the University of Illinois, Steans Family Foundation, Ravinia, and Merit School of Music help students explore higher education, technology, and arts long before matriculating to university.