CHICAGO — For many Chicago families, the scramble to get their kids into the best schools can be mind blowing. There are public, private, parochial and charter options.

One of the city’s highest performing elementary schools is a newer charter school that has grown from roots planted more than a century ago.

Christopher House serves around 900 Chicago children on the north and west sides of Chicago, and their charter has been renewed for another five years. If you’d like more information on their application process, visit their website.

Producer Pam Grimes and Photojournalist Mike D’Angelo contributed to this report.