CPS Enrollment Increases for Second Year, Increase in English Learners

Enrollment Sees Slight Increase for Second Consecutive Year

After Chicago Public Schools (CPS) enrollment increased for the first time in more than a decade last year, the total number of students has risen once again to 324,311, officials said on Thursday. That’s an increase of less than 1% compared to last year’s official count of 322,772, and a decrease from later in the school year, when newly enrolled migrant students boosted numbers in the spring.

Stabilization of Enrollment Represents Unexpected Turnaround

The school system’s overall stabilization of enrollment for the second year in a row represents a surprising and unexpected turnaround after more than a decade of decline. Prior to 2023, CPS had lost students for 11 consecutive years, and in 2022 it lost its status as the third-largest public school system in the country.

Increase in English Learners

There was another big increase in English as a second language learners, up 12.4% to 86,629 children, the data showed. Among age levels, the largest increase is in the youngest grades of elementary school (kindergarten through fifth grade), which is a promising sign that the enrollment improvement could last into the future.

Analysis of Numbers Continues

The official enrollment count is normally done on the 20th day of school, which was Monday. But CPS officials said they haven’t finished analyzing the numbers and will have more analysis in the coming weeks. CPS Education Director Bogdana Chkoumbova gave a preview in her remarks at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting.

Significant Increases in Special Education Services and Low-Income Students

CPS is also serving nearly 2,000 more students who require special education services. The proportion of students the school district considers low income increased slightly, by about 5,000 children to 232,600, or about 72% of all students.

Conclusion

The stabilization of CPS enrollment and the increase in English learners are promising signs for the school district. With continued analysis and monitoring of the numbers, CPS can work to build on these gains and create a brighter future for its students.

FAQs

* What is the total number of students enrolled in CPS?
+ 324,311
* What is the increase in English as a second language learners?
+ 12.4%
* What is the largest increase in age levels?
+ Kindergarten through fifth grade
* What is the proportion of students the school district considers low income?
+ 72%
* What is the number of students who require special education services?
+ Nearly 2,000 more than last year