CircEsteem’s Outreach Program travels to schools and community centers all over the Chicagoland area bringing the joy of circus to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Each session varies in format and introduces new skills, allowing returning students to advance and beginners to model their peers. This cooperative interaction enables students to progress at their own pace while still working together as a team. Classes run for 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6- 12 week sessions.

CircEsteem also offers In-School residencies and camps at schools in the area.  Residencies focus on the same circus fundamentals of clowning, juggling, balance and acrobatics found in our other programs, but they follow a more intensive format that runs daily for 1-4 weeks.  These residencies and camps culminate in a final performance that is open to parents and the community.

Please contact CircEsteem if you would like to bring the Circus to your after school program.

CircEsteem currently offers classes at:

British School of Chicago

Burley School

Catherine Cook

Concordia Place

Francis W. Parker

Glencoe Park District

Lake Forest Country Day School

Latin School

Polaris Charter

Sacred Heart

The University of Chicago Laboratory School

Winnetka Community House

Schools CircEsteem has been at in the past include:

Akiba Schechter

Anshe Emet

Drummond Montessori

Faith, Hope and Charity

Stephen K. Hayt School

Hibbard Elementary

Lycee Francais de Chicago

Rogers Park Montessori

Solomon Schechter Skokie

Chicago Waldorf School

Interested in bringing CircEsteem to your school?

Contact our Program Director at 773 732 4564 or email Rachel@CircEsteem.org

HomeWork & CircusWork is a free  after-school tutoring program, which addresses the need CircEsteem participants have to keep up on their schoolwork while still being able to spend time learning circus skills. HomeWork & CircusWork meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.. The students spend an hour developing their circus skills with our highly- trained circus instructors and an hour working on their homework or other academic enrichment activities with our volunteer tutors. Interested in becoming a CircEsteem volunteer? Contact us for more information. Between the two hours the students enjoy a healthy snack, generously provided by  Whole Foods.

Classes start Monday September 12th.  Transportation can be provided for students attending schools in Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park.  Contact us for more information.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m at Alternatives

To register for classes download the Fall 2011 Registration Packet and return to CircEsteem before September 6th.

CircusTeens are vital to all of our programming. They are the lead counselors for CircEsteem’s annual Summer Camp and assistant teachers during HomeWork & CircusWork. The CircusTeens are some of CircEsteem’s best performers and can be seen dazzling audiences all over Chicago.

CircEsteem makes an incredible investment of time, energy, and financial support in its youth participants. For many, they will be the first in their families to go to college.  CircEsteem invests in participants’ futures,  providing instruction in performance and teaching skills, supporting personal development, and cultivating success.

In 2004, CircEsteem started a college savings program encouraging them to start saving for college early. As an incentive, CircEsteem matches dollar for dollar the money the students save, doubling the investment in their future. Thanks to our HomeWork & CircusWork program, we have a 100% graduation rate from high school and to date CircEsteem graduates have amassed over $500,000 in college scholarships.

In 2006, we formally established the CircEsteem Scholarship Fund and partnered with Chicago Scholars. The Chicago Scholars Program identifies energetic and promising students who are determined to make the most of their college experience and provides them with the tools they need to move successfully through their post-secondary educations. The program lasts from the college admissions stage through college graduation, laying the groundwork at length for success in the professional world or in graduate study. CircEsteem students participating in Chicago Scholars programming and maintain an A average are eligible for CircEsteem’s $3,000 annual scholarship.

Phase one
High school seniors are given assistance navigating the admissions and financial aid process, and campus visits.

Phase two
Spans the first two years of college and addresses academic challenges, social issues, and offers peer to peer mentors.

Phase three
Helps students with future career planning, resume crafting, networking, and securing internship opportunities.

The scholarship fund was established with over $15,000 through generous donors and by allocating 10% of performance and workshop fees in which youth participates.

Please help making the dream of college a reality by donating to the CircEsteem Scholarship Fund.

We offer half and full-day intensive, experiential workshops by our circus instructors. Participants learn a variety of circus skills, build team dynamics, and challenge their assumed limitations and abilities. Learning circus skills and producing a show develops team creativity, challenges pre-conceived notions and build cohesiveness in a unique and hilarious environment.

We tailor workshops to fit your team’s needs and goals. CircEsteem instructors will inspire your group to test limits and reach new heights.

To learn more about Corporate CircEsteem trainings please contact us at Info@CircEsteem.org or call 312 731 HAHA.