Chicago City Wire

Steve Cortes, President of the League of American Workers, said on X that Ike Muzikowski, President and Principal of Chicago Hope Academy, abandoned a business career despite his Ivy League background to serve his community, faith, and students. This decision, according to Cortes, exemplifies the importance of school choice.

"Ike Muzikowski leads Chicago Hope Academy," said Cortes. "He could have taken his Ivy League pedigree into business, but he chooses to serve God, his students, and the west side of Chicago. Be inspired by his story and realize how important the School Choice Imperative is for our society!"

According to the Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Hope Academy is a Christian high school located on Chicago’s Near West Side. The institution offers a trades pathway program where last year 95 upperclassmen participated in learning practical skills such as wiring circuits and cutting pipes. Eight seniors from this program proceeded directly into union apprenticeships while the remaining students opted for college paths with scholarships.

ProPublica reported that during the 2021-2022 school year, Chicago Hope Academy had an enrollment of approximately 276 students. The racial and ethnic composition was about 43.5% Black, 47.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% White, with smaller percentages for Asian American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and multiracial students. The student-teacher ratio was around 13:1.

Chicago Hope Academy was established in 2005 by Bob and Tina Muzikowski after purchasing and renovating the closed St. Callistus parish property with volunteer support. Initially opening with freshman and sophomore classes on August 29, 2005, it expanded over time by adding classrooms in fall 2007 and later facilities such as artificial turf for Hope Field in 2013 and a track in 2019.

Ike Muzikowski serves as the President & Principal of Chicago Hope Academy and is the son of its founders. He graduated from the academy in 2011 before pursuing Economics at Columbia University and later obtaining a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Harvard. Prior to becoming principal, he held various roles at the school including College Counselor, Admissions Director, long-term substitute teacher, International Student Program Director, and varsity soccer coach.