Betty Shabazz International Charter School was founded in 1998 by Dr. Carol D. Lee, Haki Madhubuti, Robert J. Dale, Soyini Walton and Anthony Daniels-Halisi. The founders saw the 1997 introduction of charter schools in Chicago as an opportunity to provide children in the City with access to a free African-centered primary and secondary education.

Modeled after New Concept School, a 37 year old, high achieving, private grade school located on Chicago's southside, Shabazz combines rigourous academic course work with a full Arts & Humanities program that includes music, dance and visual arts; an award winning vegetarian school breakfast and lunch program; athletics; culture and technology based afterschool programs; and summer school and camp offerings.

In 2006, Shabazz realized a long-time goal of serving students in grades 9-12 when CPS approved our request to open DuSable Leadership Academy campus inside of DuSable High School, a landmark institution located in the historic African-American community know as Bronzeville.

During the same year, Shabazz accepted a last minute request from CPS to open our Barbara A. Sizemore Academy campus in the Auburn Gresham community three weeks prior to the start of the academic year. This campus is named after a long-time board member and education activist, and currently serves grades K-3 and 7-8.

When enrollment at all three schools reaches capacity in 2010, Shabazz will serve 1,050 students in grades K-12.