3 in 4 Chicago Public schools students are economically disadvantaged

The combination of an under-resourced school district and struggling families results in some startling systemic failures. 21.8 percent of CPS students will never graduate from high school, and only 63 percent of the high school graduates will attend college.

"First day of school, more than half of my kids didn't have a backpack and almost all of them came without supplies. I have students who have never even seen downtown."

Students Lack Resources

Many students lack access to basic resources including school supplies and to opportunities such as rich after school programs, trips to museums, and mentorship. Yet success in school is a direct link to success later in life with more steady employment, greater wages and higher self-confidence.

Headlines Tell the Story

Over the past decade, dozens of schools have closed, enrollment has decreased, students experienced millions of dollars in budget cuts, and funding for after school programs were cut.

Why news
Stacy Stewart

"Our children are dealing with the violence in our community where you don't know if someone is going to violate your home, or you don't know if you're going to be challenged on the street by a gang member."

Stacy Stewart, Deputy Chief of Schools, Former Principal at Belmont Cragin Elementary

Hear Stacy's perspective