Unique in its structure, CCSF contracts with educational management organizations (EMO) to operate the CICS campuses. The CICS Northtown Academy Campus is operated by Civitas Schools, a non-profit EMO that began in 2004. Civitas Schools was originally created as a subsidiary of CCSF. Civitas is a Latin word meaning “citizenship.” That name was chosen to reflect the organization’s vision to operate charter schools that produce student achievement and promote civic responsibility. With the Civitas Schools management staff focused on strategic planning, curriculum development, budgets, technology infrastructure, fund development, and personnel matters, CICS Northown leadership can focus on the instructional supervision of the students and program.