Our Legacy, Our Future
"Respect the past, but always move forward."
– Dr. Larue Fitch, Principal
Hughes Elementary has long served the community, but we are now on a mission to elevate, transform, and lead. Under the guidance of Dr. LaRue Fitch, we have embraced a new identity and a new purpose—one that places students at the center of everything we do.
Our Mission
We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all students receive the support needed to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our highly qualified educators provide rigorous, culturally relevant instruction that fosters student identity and empowerment. We actively engage families and the community as essential partners in student success.
We cultivate a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and learning styles. Through high expectations, self-discipline, and critical thinking, we prepare students to become confident, lifelong learners and future leaders in a diverse global society.
Our Core Values
The Meaning Behind Our School Identity
The Charles E. Hughes Elementary School Seal serves as a symbol of strength, academic excellence, and community pride. Every element within the design carries meaning that reinforces the school’s mission, values, and vision for its students.
Shield
Symbolizes protection and academic excellence, ensuring a safe, structured, and empowering space.
Open Book
Represents knowledge, lifelong learning, and fostering intellectual curiosity to inspire growth and discovery.
Lion
Embodies courage, determination, and resilience, encouraging students to lead with confidence and strength.
Stars
Six-pointed stars honor Chicago, grounding the school in its vibrant city and community.
Laurel Wreaths
Signifies achievement and success, reinforcing the school’s dedication to high standards and excellence.
A New Day. A New Age.
At Hughes, we don't hide anything. Our doors are open. Parents can come right in and talk to us. We can engage. We have this policy because we want them to understand that in order for this to work, we need to be on one accord. We need to work together.
Our goal is to instill into our teachers that they need to look at parents as the first teachers. We ask them, "How does your child like to learn? We get their feedback. "What can you do to support me?" That's the vulnerability.