Chicago Public Schools

ChicagoPublic Schools (CPS) is the public school district responsible for providing kindergarten through twelfth grade education to students residing in Chicago, Illinois. It operates a comprehensive network of elementary, middle, and high schools that deliver general academic instruction, special education services, bilingual and English learner programs, and various extracurricular activities. The district is overseen by the Chicago Board of Education, which establishes policies, approves the annual budget, and supervises the superintendent and administrative staff. CPS aims to equip all learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for college, career, and civic participation in a diverse urban setting.

The district serves more than 320,000 students, a figure highlighted in recent breach notifications, placing it among the largest school systems in the United States. It encompasses over 600 schools spread across the city’s neighborhoods, reflecting a broad geographic reach and a substantial footprint within the Chicago metropolitan area. CPS employs a large workforce of teachers, administrators, support personnel, and contractors to sustain its educational operations and facilities. Its annual budget, funded through local property taxes, state aid, and federal grants, runs into several billion dollars, underscoring the scale of its financial and operational responsibilities.

CPS distinguishes itself through a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, implementing targeted initiatives to close achievement gaps for low‑income, minority, and disabled students. The district collaborates with city agencies, higher education institutions, and community organizations to expand college readiness, vocational training, and wraparound support services. As a municipal agency, CPS is not a privately owned corporation; it has no parent company or subsidiaries and derives its authority from the Illinois School Code and the oversight of the Illinois State Board of Education. This public governance structure ensures accountability to Chicago residents and aligns the district’s mission with the broader educational goals of the state.