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POLARIS CHARTER ACADEMY

620 N Sawyer AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60624 · School

Inspection summary

POLARIS CHARTER ACADEMY has been inspected 19 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 19, 2011. The most recent inspection, on October 1, 2026, recorded 6 infractions.

2 of 19 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 16 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their findings differently, so we group them by what they mean for your health. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Surfaces, dishes and tools that touch food or people must be cleaned and then sanitized or disinfected. Inspectors check sanitizer strength, dishwasher temperatures and how cleaning is done. Poor sanitizing lets germs survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 25, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food, supplies and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 23, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Inspectors check that anything that has to be kept at a set temperature, such as chilled or hot food, or equipment like sterilizers, stays in its safe range and that accurate thermometers are on hand. With food, temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 23, 2026. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be clean and in good repair, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate health risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 22 times across 12 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2026. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be made of cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked surface or worn part. They are generally lower risk but show how well the place is maintained.

    Recorded 11 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2026. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

19 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 OBSERVED RUSTED PREP TABLE SHELVING AS WELL AS INSIDE EQUIPMENT USED TO STORE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN SERVING AREA WITH LEAKY PLUMBING FIXTURE CAUSING WATER TO POOL ON THE FLOOR UNDER SAID SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED WALLS UPON ENTRANCE TO SERVICE AREA AS WELL AS BEHIND PREP TABLES AND HOT HOLD UNITS WITH PEELING/CHIPPED PAINT. NOTED CRUMBLING BRICKS AS WELL IN SAID SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE WALLS AND SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING THROUGHOUT UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONGSIDE OF NOT IN USE DISH MACHINE AND STORAGE SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT, SCHOOL FURNITURE AND MISCELLANUES ITEMS FROM PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE IN SAID SPACES. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING THROUGHOUT PREP AND SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS AND INCREASE LIGHTING.
  2. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (PASTA, CHOPPED WATERMELON, MILK). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS CHOPPED WATERMELON STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 46F-51F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TCS FOODS @41F AND BELOW AS REQUIRED. SAID FOOD DISCARDED BY PIC. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT, FLYING AROUND STORAGE CAGE AND INSIDE HANDWASHING SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE FLY ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED STICKY TRAPS FILLED WITH DEAD INSECTS AND WEBS IN CORNERS AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RUSTED PREP TABLE SHELVING AS WELL AS INSIDE EQUIPMENT USED TO STORE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN SERVING AREA WITH LEAKY PLUMBING FIXTURE CAUSING WATER TO POOL ON THE FLOOR UNDER SAID SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WALLS UPON ENTRANCE TO SERVICE AREA AS WELL AS BEHIND PREP TABLES AND HOT HOLD UNITS WITH PEELING/CHIPPED PAINT. NOTED CRUMBLING BRICKS AS WELL IN SAID SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE WALLS AND SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING THROUGHOUT UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONGSIDE OF NOT IN USE DISH MACHINE AND STORAGE SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT, SCHOOL FURNITURE AND MISCELLANUES ITEMS FROM PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE IN SAID SPACES. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING THROUGHOUT PREP AND SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS AND INCREASE LIGHTING.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE KITCHEN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED THE FOOD HANDLER ON DUTY WITHOUT HIS FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STEAM TABLES IN CAFETERIA WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS IN CREVICES OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED 3 COMPARTENT SINK PIPING IN ALL 3 SINK BASINS WITH SLIGHT LEAK AND WATER DRIPPING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL INSIDE GATED OFFICE/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WEST WALL IN FURTHEST REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM TO HAVE CRUMBLING PLASTER AND DAMAGE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO COVER OR REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HANDWASH SINKS IN THE 2ND FLOOR BOYS AND GIRLS WASHROOMS. MUST REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP UNDERNEATH THE TABLES AND CHAIRS STORED IN THE CORNER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE THE TABLES AND CHAIRS SO THAT THEY ARE OFF THE WALLS, CLEAN THE AREA, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES WHO HANDLE FOOD AND WHO ARE NOT A MANAGER MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE REHEATING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, VEGETABLES). PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE FOR HIGH TEMP DISHWASHER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND UNDERNEATH VENTILATION HOOD IN BACK KITCHEN AREA. OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILES IN BOYS SECOND FLOOR WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/COVER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE FOR HIGH TEMP DISHWASHER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
  11. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MILK STORAGE COOLER ON THE SERVING LINE TO REMOVE SPILLS.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPAIR THE BROKEN WALL TILES IN THE 2ND FLOOR BOY'S WASHROOM.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST INSTALL A LIGHT SHIELD FOR THE LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED THE MIDDLE LIGHTS OUT IN THE LUNCH ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH A LEAK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  14. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, POSTED OR AVAILABLE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, SEE TEMPS BELOW, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE AVAILABLE, AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED, SERVED AND PREPARED, SERIOUS CITATION: 7-38-012
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF MILK COOLERS IN CAFETERIA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT DIM IN KITCHEN/DINING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT,
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • THERMOMETERS NOT CONSPICUOUS IN MILK COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO STORE TO BE SEEN,
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OFFENSIVE URINE ODORS IN BASEMENT BOYS AND GIRLS BATHROOM, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE, AND CLUTTER IN BASEMENT HALL WAY AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE,
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN WALL TILES AT THE BASE OF THE WALL BENEATH THE URINALS IN THE 2ND FLOOR BOY'S WASHROOM. REPAIR THE OPENING IN THE WALL BASE IN THE HALLWAY ACROSS FROM THE GYM AND BETWEEN THE WASHROOM AND THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR THE NON-WORKING HANDSINK IN THE 2ND FLOOR BOY'S WASHROOM AND 2ND FLOOR GIRL'S WASHROOMS. REPAIR TOIELTS OUT OF ORDER IN THE 2ND FLOOR GIRL'S WASHROOM AND BASEMENT BOY'S AND GIRL'S WASHROOM. REPAIR THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
  16. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED OPENING INTO THE WALL AROUND VENTS. MUST SEAL ALL OPENING AND HOLE WHERE EVER NEEDED TO PREVENT FUTHER RODENT ENTRY POINTS
  17. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • NOTED IN THE DISHWASH AREA FOR THE LUNCH ROOM 35 MICE DROPPINGS ON A TABLE WHERE BOXES ARE STORED. ALSO NOTED 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AND IN CORNERS IN THE SAME AREA SCATTERED AROUND. CITATION 7-38-020 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANTIZE AFFECTED AREAS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND/OR SPILLS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED OPENING INTO THE WALL AROUND VENTS. MUST SEAL ALL OPENING AND HOLE WHERE EVER NEEDED TO PREVENT FUTHER RODENT ENTRY POINTS.
  18. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • TWO TOILETS IN THE GIRLS TOILET ROOM IN THE BASEMENT ONE TOILET ON THE 2ND FLOOR BOYS TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IN THE BOYS TOILET ROOM TWO SINK HAVE DRIPPING FAUCETS. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE THEM AND REPAIR THE TOILETS.
  19. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • PREVIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED FROM SEPT 2009. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM WALL OF GYM WHERE OBSERVED. SECOND FLOOR GIRLS WASHROOM; LOOSE METAL ATTACHMENT AROUND PIPE OF TOILET IN FIRST STALL; REATTACH. REPLACE LOOSE WALL COVNG AT BASE OF WALL IN BASEMENT NEAR ENGINEERS OFFICE WHERE OBSERVED.

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