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Students across Chicago Public Schools returned to classrooms on Monday, marking the first day of classes for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Preschoolers are set to begin the new school year on Tuesday, August 19.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King visited Mary E. Courtenay Language Arts Center and Austin College and Career Academy High School to greet students and staff. Austin is among the schools newly designated as a Sustainable Community School this year.
“This morning, school bells are ringing out across Chicago, calling our young people to a year of learning, new friendships, growth and limitless possibility,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Our teachers are ready, our classrooms are ready, and the entire city is behind our scholars every step of the way.”
Dr. King reflected on her experience in education: “Even after 32 years serving Chicago’s children, the first day of school is magical,” she said. “There’s nothing like the energy of students racing through the halls, faces lit up with excitement. It’s a powerful reminder that our work matters as we prepare the next generation of great thinkers and collaborative problem solvers.”
Over the summer months leading up to reopening, Chicago Public Schools implemented several initiatives aimed at academic improvement and community support. Thousands of students participated in programs ranging from remediation to advanced courses such as Algebra or middle school career camps exploring fields like culinary arts and prelaw. Staff also engaged in professional development sessions focused on leadership skills and curriculum expansion.
The district expanded access to dual language programs, world languages, literacy initiatives, math/STEM projects, computer science offerings, and updated its arts education plan for better quality monitoring across schools.
Community engagement included back-to-school events where thousands of backpacks were distributed along with free immunizations and physicals for families.
Sean B. Harden, President of the Chicago Board of Education said: “On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to thank our families, educators, and school leaders for everything they do to support our students. We are committed to making this school year one that focuses on academic growth, amplifies student voice, and strengthens community connections. It’s going to be a great year!”
CPS continues its focus on early childhood education by offering free full-day preschool for all four-year-olds as well as some half-day options for three-year-olds. Nearly 90 percent of CPS preschools have achieved Gold Circle status under state quality standards; all sites meet federal requirements.
“Early learning is one of the most important ways to set up a child for success later in life and we believe all children deserve the same opportunity for that head start,” said Leslie Mckinily, CPS’ Chief of Early Childhood Education. “The District is committed to showing what a public school district can and should offer to prepare our youngest students for a lifetime of joyful learning and educational achievement.”
The district reports progress in attracting families: over 13,500 applications were submitted for pre-K programs this year.
Chicago Public Schools has continued its partnership with City Colleges through the Chicago Roadmap initiative allowing high school students access to college-level coursework at no cost; last academic year saw 6,600 CPS students earn 66,000 college credits with more than 200 graduates earning both their associate degree alongside their high school diploma.
“We have been working to expand partnerships with postsecondary institutions and skilled trades to help high school students increase access and experience with real-world skills and make connections with our area’s strongest employers,” said CPS’ Chief of College and Career Success Megan Hougard. “Our goal is to ensure that our graduates leave the District with every opportunity possible to succeed in life even after they leave our classrooms.”
More than 10,000 high schoolers participated last year in career training programs including internships or field trips related to skilled trades.
Staffing improvements include reductions in teacher vacancies due largely to recruitment efforts under Teach Chicago—resulting in vacancy rates dropping from over four percent last year down now below two-and-a-half percent—and similar declines among non-teaching personnel positions (from nearly seven percent down just above three percent). For new hires this fall semester over half identify as Black or Latinx—a marked increase compared with prior years—helping diversify classroom representation within CPS schools.
“Through Teach Chicago we have not only brought hundreds of talented educators into our schools but we’ve also worked to ensure that our teaching force better reflects diversity among those served,” said Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton.“By reducing teacher vacancies especially where vulnerable populations attend we’re ensuring more qualified licensed teachers deliver quality instruction.”
In transportation services priority remains bus service provision mainly benefiting special needs populations while facility upgrades included renovated athletic areas improved green spaces modernized buildings—with George Washington Carver Elementary consolidating into one campus following capital improvements during summer break.
Financially—the district aims by late August adoption deadline—to pass a balanced budget after addressing an initial $734 million deficit using revenue increases plus operational efficiencies intended not affecting direct classroom experiences.Further details about CPS budgeting can be found here.
The Children First Fund continues connecting corporate philanthropic partners toward advancing equity-focused initiatives supporting student achievement throughout district schools.“Ultimately foundation supports mission by linking partners directly giving resources where needed most” stated Rebecca Clarkin Executive Director CFF.“We focus building strong partnerships ensuring resources reach those who benefit greatest impact.”
