Introduction to Chicago Public Schools Enrollment
After growing slightly for two years mostly due to an influx of migrant students, Chicago Public Schools’ enrollment dropped significantly this school year, continuing a long-term slide.
Current Enrollment Numbers
As of Sept. 15, the 20th day of school, CPS had about 316,000 students, down by about 3%. The percentage of Latino students in CPS dropped, from 47.3% to 46.4%, while the percentage for other groups rose or remained the same.
Breakdown of Enrollment by Student Groups
“Enrollment decreased across the majority of grade levels and most student groups, including [students] identifying as Black, Latinx, economically disadvantaged, English language learners and students in temporary living situations,” Interim CPS CEO/Supt. Macquline King said at Thursday’s board meeting. But King noted that enrollment this year increased among White, Asian and multiracial students, as well as among those with disabilities. Black students also dropped but made up about the same percentage of CPS students as last year at 34%. King also said attendance rates are up among all student groups compared to previous years. Overall attendance through the first four weeks rose from 92.3% to 92.6% compared to last year, according to the district.
Historical Context of Enrollment Decline
This year’s enrollment decrease picks up the district’s trend of declining enrollment. The student population has dropped by about 93,000 students since the 2009-2010 school year, when CPS served 409,000 children.
Update on Bus Services
The interim CEO also gave an update on the bus services, which it has been struggling to provide, partly due to a nationwide driver shortage. King said 12,656 students are now on bus routes compared to 10,800 last month. She added that more than 98% of students with disabilities who need bus service are now receiving it. “Requests for transportation continue to come in daily and our goal is to get all eligible students on a bus within 10 days of those requests,” King said.
Plans to Relaunch Hub Stop Pilot Program
She added that the district plans to relaunch the Hub Stop pilot program, which designates centralized pick up and drop off locations at CPS schools, later this school year to further bolster those services.
Impact on Charter Schools
Meanwhile at Epic Academy, a small Southeast Side charter high school, low enrollment was a factor in leadership deciding to close the school after this academic year. CPS officials told parents earlier this month that the school could close even earlier. At a meeting last week, Epic board members explained that the school’s funding formula is driven by student enrollment and that a decline has led to a “structural deficiency,” according to the meeting minutes.
Reaction from Epic Academy Community
In voting unanimously to close the school, which opened in 2009, the board also cited declining revenue and rising personnel costs for that deficiency. The decision came just months after the Chicago school board voted to renew Epic’s contract for two years. At Thursday’s board meeting Epic students and teachers called on the district to step in and keep the school open. “My classmates and I don’t just want to graduate, we want to one day come back as proud alumni who can give back to the same school that has given so much to us,” said Ayomide Olatunji, one of several seniors who showed up at the meeting.
Call for Reevaluation of Charter Contract Renewal Process
Andrew Escalante, a teacher at EPIC for eight years, asked the board how it would renew Epic’s charter if it was in financial distress. “How was this approved if Epic did not have the funds to operate,” Escalante said. “What concrete steps is CPS prepared to take to make sure our students and families are not left scrambling if the school closes.” Yesenia Lopez was among the board members who said the situation shows the need for a reevaluation of the process in which CPS renews charter contracts. “During their renewal process we heard from stakeholders, including the charter operator’s own board advocating for continuation, fast forward and we find ourselves here,” Lopez said. “The disconnect must be acknowledged and addressed with all parties involved to identify solutions.”
Conclusion
The decline in Chicago Public Schools enrollment is a concerning trend that has been ongoing for over a decade. The district’s efforts to improve attendance rates and provide better transportation services are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues driving enrollment decline. The situation at Epic Academy highlights the need for a more thorough evaluation of charter schools’ financial stability before renewing their contracts.
FAQs
Q: What is the current enrollment number for Chicago Public Schools?
A: As of Sept. 15, CPS had about 316,000 students.
Q: What is the main reason for the decline in enrollment at Epic Academy?
A: Low enrollment, which has led to a "structural deficiency" due to the school’s funding formula being driven by student enrollment.
Q: What is the district’s plan to improve transportation services?
A: The district plans to relaunch the Hub Stop pilot program, which designates centralized pick up and drop off locations at CPS schools, later this school year.
Q: What is the attendance rate for CPS students this year?
A: Overall attendance through the first four weeks rose from 92.3% to 92.6% compared to last year.
