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As Chicago Public Schools' Class of 2025 graduates, they leave with significant advantages for their future endeavors. Whether pursuing higher education or entering skilled trades, these students are equipped with early college credits, technical skills, and commendations. This reflects the district's investment in public education and efforts to counteract the pandemic's impact.
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez stated, "These numbers speak for themselves – Chicago Public Schools is graduating some of this city’s best and brightest young people." He emphasized the importance of investing in youth to ensure their success and economic mobility.
The Class of 2025 includes students moving on to prestigious colleges and universities. Over 6,600 graduates earned more than 66,000 early college credits this year, marking a record achievement that translates into approximately $10 million in tuition savings for families. Nearly 4,000 seniors completed Career and Technical Education classes.
Divinefavour Osuji from Lane Tech College Prep High School was named the 2025 National STEM Champion for developing a cost-effective hand prosthetic controlled by muscle contractions. He received scholarship offers from four universities but chose the University of Michigan to study biomedical engineering.
Osuji expressed gratitude for his education at CPS: “I’m thankful for the education I’ve been able to receive at Lane Tech and CPS... It has all been invaluable experiences that really stuck with me.”
Meadow Zangrilli from Kelvyn Park High School graduated with 17 early college credits. She plans to attend Illinois State University before pursuing medical school. Zangrilli noted her head start: “It was a big challenge but it was definitely worth it."
The Class of 2025 set records across Early College milestones with over 1,000 students earning at least one semester's worth of college credits. The Chicago Roadmap partnership between CPS and CCC facilitates access to free college-level courses during high school.
CPS is also expanding pathways through CTE programs with partners like Peoples Gas and ComEd. More than 10,000 students participated in training programs this year.
Elias Aviles from Lake View High School benefited from Chicago Builds—a pre-apprenticeship program—earning certifications in various trades: “Chicago Builds helped me learn about different trades... It’s also fun."
Over 3,400 students earned the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy this year. Eric Chen from Walter Payton High School achieved proficiency in multiple languages including Cantonese and French: "If you understand the way someone speaks... you’re not as quick to jump to conclusions."
Chen will attend Princeton University majoring in computer science while minoring in linguistics: "I think this specific journey will help me discover more of myself."
