Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students returned to classes on Monday for a school year that promises continued academic growth, skills development, extracurricular opportunities and time with new and old friends. As a District, CPS continues to see improvement across many academic metrics, from higher reading and math scores to ever-increasing high school graduation rates as well as operational progress, including more students routed on yellow school buses. “Thank you to the parents, guardians, caregivers and families who have helped prepare our students for the year ahead,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “A passion for knowledge, and care for our young people is at the heart of every neighborhood school in Chicago, and as a CPS parent, I hold a deep gratitude for our teachers and staff today, with a big thank you to our parent mentors, school leaders and volunteers who go the extra mile.”

Mayor Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez started the first day together at Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary where they rang in the school year before proceeding to Chalmers STEAM Elementary School, one of three schools in the North Lawndale neighborhood that are rolling out aligned STEAM lessons and programming this year. CEO Martinez, in collaboration with District and school leaders, teachers, parents and community members, set new foundational standards of excellence for all schools in the 2022-23 school year that have continued and promise to be even more integrated in School Year 2025. “I am thrilled to ring in the 2024-25 school year and continue to build on our gains in literacy, graduation rates, capital investments, and college and career success,” said CEO Martinez. “We are looking forward to students’ continued academic growth and well-being while also ensuring our staff and faculty have the support and resources to maintain healthy, safe, and welcoming school environments.”