Chicago Public Schools Opens Applications for Free Preschool Programs

Chicago Public Schools Opens Applications for Free Preschool Programs

CPS kindergarten through 2nd grade students see academic growth as the District’s early learning programs expand across the city

CHICAGO – Applications for Chicago Public Schools’ 2026–27 preschool programs are open, giving families access to high-quality programs for four-year-olds and a limited number of half-day programs for three-year-olds at 372 elementary schools across the District. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, families are encouraged to apply within the first three weeks for the widest selection of options.

“The District’s high-quality preschool programs focus on building strong partnerships with families and honoring the way young children learn best, which is through early engagement and play,” said CPS’ Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. “When parents are actively involved and classrooms are designed for exploration, creativity, and social interaction, we create the foundation for lifelong learning. Together, school leaders, teachers, and parents form the team that gives every child the strongest possible start.”

The offerings, which are provided at no cost to families, are part of the District’s goal is to improve both educational and social outcomes for all children, particularly those with the greatest needs. CPS partners with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) which provides childcare services at community-operated locations from birth to age five.

Various schools across the District will host events such as open houses and community-focused activities in early April and during CPS Pre-K Week, which runs through 17. These events provide families with an opportunity to learn more about early childhood programs and offerings. Parents and community members can browse this calendar to explore events by date and choose which schools they would like to visit.

Mid-year data from i-Ready assessments released in March show a higher percentage of the District’s K-2nd grade students are either at mid or above grade level for both reading and math, compared to mid-year data from the District’s previous two school years.

“Our investments in early childhood education are making a real difference,” said Leslie McKinily, CPS’ Chief of Early Childhood Education. “When we provide Chicago families with access to free, high-quality early learning opportunities, right in their own communities, it helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. This progress underscores the importance of investing early in our children.”

More information about CPS Preschool programs is available on the District’s website or visit chicagoearlylearning.org to submit an application for preschool. Parents may also call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline at 312-229-1690 for application support in both English and Spanish.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District’s free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old scholars and continuing at neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary and high schools that provide a rigorous K-12 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), classical programs, and more. The rising District-wide freshmen-on-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its more than 316,000 students who cite more than 180 home languages. Learn more about CPS at www.cps.edu and connect with CPS on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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