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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reported significant progress in its early learning programs, showing growth in enrollment and academic performance among preschool through second-grade students. As of May 2025, the district's early learning enrollment has increased by approximately 4,000 students since 2022, totaling over 19,000 Pre-K students.
"This programming is changing the trajectory of children’s lives," stated CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. "Every early investment in our youngest learners is a step toward closing opportunity gaps. I’m proud of the District’s progress and the academic outcomes we’re seeing as a result."
During a presentation to the Board of Education, district leaders highlighted CPS's academic achievements. The district continues to surpass the Council of the Great City Schools average for urban districts in early literacy and math across all grades, with kindergarten showing particularly strong results.
"Our students are showing measurable growth, and our teachers are leading with excellence in classrooms that meet the highest standards," said Chief of Early Childhood Education Leslie McKinily. "Early learning is the foundation for everything that follows—and in CPS, we’re building that foundation with intentionality, urgency, and quality."
CPS offers a universal free full-day preschool system for four-year-olds throughout every neighborhood and some half-day program seats for three-year-old students. The programs include blended classrooms and investments in early literacy to help children build confidence as readers from an early age.
The current data shows that 71% of enrolled Pre-K students come from economically disadvantaged households; 35% are English Learners; and 28% have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). About 93% of preschool sites meet ExceleRate Illinois' Gold Circle of Quality standard.
For the upcoming school year, CPS has extended offers for 66% of its full-day and 75% of its half-day early childhood seats. Families can apply through the Chicago Early Learning website or receive support via hotline services available in English and Spanish.
