Our 2025 Impact Report Is Here!
2025 was a year of demonstrating parent knowledge and power, and the culmination of what we have been building for a decade - the authentic elevation of the people most directly impacted by our education system.
Our Work
Learn more about our work from the people who lead Kids First Chicago.
Activate Families
We bring parents to the decision-making table, providing transparent and digestible information to fuel their engagement and supporting them as they lead work to transform Chicago schools.
Shape Policy
We work with parents to address the root causes of inequitable education outcomes and partner with CPS, the City of Chicago, and others in implementing solutions supported by families and the facts.
Share the Facts
We offer independent, transparent data about Chicago schools so all families can evaluate schools’ performance and their kids’ needs as well as participate in decision-making.
Where We Engage
We focus our community engagement in the city’s South and West Sides, where far too many Black and Latine parents have been left out of the conversation for far too long.
Upcoming Events
DEC 10, 2025 • 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Fair Governance Task Force Meeting (By invitation only)
Location: TBD
Audience: Parents
Category: Info Session
Join us for an open Fair Governance Task Force meeting focused on understanding the role of Local School Councils (LSCs) and the election and campaigning process. Attendees will also hear from a panel of experts who will speak to the importance and benefits of fully seated, effective LSCs in strengthening school communities.
DEC 16, 2025 • 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Kids First Chicago: The State of Chicago Public Schools
Location: Online
Audience: General Public
Category: Info Session
In partnership with To&Through Data Collective, Kids First Chicago (K1C) will present its latest State of Chicago Public Schools report.
DEC 16, 2025 • 5:30 PM–7:00 PM
Understanding TIF & What It Means for Our Schools
Location: Virtual
Audience: General Public
Category: Info Session
Join Kids First Chicago (K1C), the Civic Federation, and the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC) for a virtual conversation that breaks down what TIF is, how it connects to CPS budgets, and why TIF decisions matter for students and families.
A Resilient Chicago
Together, we can create a system where every kid defies gravity—a system that ensures equitable access to quality schools, funding, and transparent information in all communities.
A Win for CPS Families
A historic 12-7-1 Chicago Board of Education vote on Aug. 28, 2025, to adopt a responsible 2025-26 CPS budget.