Chicago Public Schools Welcomes Back Students for First Day of School

Chicago Public Schools Welcomes Back Students for First Day of School

Schools Ready for a Strong 2025-26 School Year

CHICAGO – The symphony of ringing school bells, bouncing backpacks, and excited chatter filled hallways across Chicago Public Schools on Monday, Aug. 18, as students from kindergarten through 12th grade returned for the first day of classes. Preschoolers joined the citywide kickoff on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King greeted students at Mary E. Courtenay Language Arts Center, the Uptown elementary school where King served as principal from 2013 to 2022. They then went to Austin College and Career Academy High School, one of 16 schools to become a Sustainable Community School this school year.

Johnson, King, and school leaders met students with big smiles, high fives and words of welcome and encouragement.

“Even after 32 years serving Chicago’s children, the first day of school is magical,” said Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “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.”

A Summer of Progress

In the months leading up to the first day, CPS invested in students, staff, and school communities to ensure a strong start.

Student and Staff Learning: Several thousand students participated in learning opportunities over the summer - from remediation work to acceleration in courses such as Algebra or middle school camps to explore interests and potential careers, ranging from the culinary world to prelaw. Meanwhile, CPS staff members sharpened their skills with myriad professional development offerings to build leadership skills, strengthen offerings, such as International Baccalaureate programs, and expand access to Advance Placement (AP) courses. More than 900 school leaders met in July for a deep-dive on District goals and 400 new CPS teachers convened for a three-day orientation in August.

Academic Expansion: The District is increasing access to dual language and world language programs, expanding the Sustainable Community School Model from 20 to 36 schools, and piloting new K–12 literacy, math, STEM, and computer science initiatives across many District schools. The District is also implementing an updated arts education plan that promises to improve the quality of arts programming - and better monitor arts education - across the District.

Community Support: District, school teams and Chicago Board of Education Members joined back-to-school events, distributed thousands of backpacks and school supplies, offered free immunizations and physicals, and connected families with community resources.

“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,” said Sean B. Harden, President, Chicago Board of Education. “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!”

Early Learning

CPS offers free, full-day preschool for all four-year-olds and some free half-day programs for three-year-olds. Nearly 90 percent of CPS preschools meet the state’s Gold Circle of Quality, with the remaining earning the silver and bronze awards. All sites meet federal, state and local education standards.

The District continues to deliver on its commitment to equity and academic excellence with strong progress across key indicators for students in preschool through second grade and attracting significant interest with 13,500 families submitting applications for pre-K programs.

“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.”

College and Career

The District's efforts to bolster post-secondary success include the unique Chicago Roadmap partnership with City Colleges of Chicago that offers CPS students access to free college-level courses. In 2024-25, 6,600 CPS students earned 66,000 college credits, including more than 200 members of the Class of 2025 who earned their associate degree along with 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.”

The District will also focus on increasing pathways to high wage, high-demand careers through career-connected and work-based learning with labor and industry partners. In all, more than 10,000 students last school year participated in training programs, including more than 1400 internships, career readiness workshops, and field trips to explore various skilled trades.

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