Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students returned to classes on Monday, August 22, one week earlier than last year, for a school year that promises to help students succeed academically and socially-emotionally.  Learning in the nation’s third largest school district begins with an additional $240 million in educational investments and priorities, updated health guidance to support in-person student attendance, and a calendar year that is aligned with surrounding districts and provides two additional days of teacher professional development. “We are excited to welcome back our amazing students and families as we begin a new year of teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom,” said CEO Martinez. “Our new health guidelines pave the way for uninterrupted learning time to help drive greater pre-K-12th grade academic progress and increased peer-to-peer and student-teacher connections as we emerge from more than two years of the pandemic.” CEO Martinez and District leadership set a new foundational standard of excellence for all schools in 2022-23 that will feature:  

• Reasonable class sizes and fewer split grade-level classes 

• Expanded school programming in pre-K, the arts, dual language, and college prep 

• Additional support and professional development for teachers

• Targeted support at schools that serve students with the most needs

• Stronger social-emotional and mental health supports