Chicago Public Schools

Leadership Community

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) serves 341,382 students in 649 schools. The mission of CPS is to provide a high-quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

Lead Intermediary Organization

Department of Early College and Career Education, Chicago Public Schools

Areas of Expertise

  • Early college access and attainment
  • Regional, national, and international collaboration
  • Career readiness
  • Model programs of study for college and career pathways

Prioritized Focus Areas

  • Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades
  • Health Science
  • Information Technology

Key Successes

  • Over the past two decades, CPS’ four-year high school graduation rate has nearly doubled, reaching a new record high of 82.9% in 2022. This progress made over such a short period of time has transformed the lives of countless graduates and is a testament to what can be accomplished when students are centered in everything.
  • Through our partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, CPS students earned over $5.1 million of college credit through early college programs in SY22.

2-Year Goals

  • Increase industry-recognized certification attainment
  • Increase early college attainment
  • Increase career awareness at the middle school level
  • Increase work-based learning opportunities and participation

Community Updates