The State of Chicago Public Schools | Spring 2026
Kids First Chicago presents their second annual review that examines Chicago Public Schools’ student outcomes from 2018 to 2025, diving into academic performance, attendance, and social-emotional well-being.
Protecting Student Learning in the Era of Immigration Enforcement
Our new report finds federal immigration enforcement disrupted student attendance and urges the City and Chicago Public Schools to better prepare and protect learning during enforcement activity.
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
MAY 15, 2026 • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Community Meet & Greet with District 2 School Board Representatives
Location: Virtual
Audience: General Public
Join Kids First Chicago, Indo-American Center & One Northside for a Meet & Greet with School Board Representatives in your district. Be a part of the collective power improving our neighborhood schools.
MAY 18, 2026 • 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
The State of CPS: Student Well-being & Chronic Absenteeism (English Only)
Location: Virtual
Audience: General Public
Category: Info Session
This year, we are offering virtual sessions that explore insights in key sections in our 2026 State of CPS report-- High School, Elementary School, and Student Wellbeing and Chronic Absenteeism. Join us for one or all!
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.