Publications and Reports
We invite you to explore our recent publications and reports.
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
Chicago’s fall surge in federal immigration enforcement created an attendance crisis for CPS families. While districtwide averages seemed stable, neighborhoods with heavy enforcement saw sharp declines, as families stayed home to protect their safety—not because they were opting out of school.
Chicago's Enrollment Crisis Part 3: What the Latest Enrollment Trends Mean for Chicago’s Schools
As the next installment in our Enrollment Crisis series, Kids First Chicago looks at the forces shaping CPS enrollment and what they mean for students, families, and schools.
New Poll: Most Chicagoans Unaware of 2027 School Board Transition, Support State Action on CPS Funding
A new citywide poll commissioned by Kids First Chicago reveals that while Chicagoans strongly support new State and City revenue options for Chicago Public Schools, the vast majority remain unaware of the most consequential governance change in CPS in decades: the transition to a fully elected 21-member Board of Education in 2027.
2025 Impact Report
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.
The State of Chicago Public Schools｜Spring 2025
Kids First Chicago presents a new annual review that examines Chicago Public Schools’ student outcomes from 2018 to 2024, comparing academic performance, attendance, and social-emotional well-being before and after the pandemic.
Promise in Practice: A New Chapter in Chicago’s School Board Governance
Kids First Chicago presents practical, parent- and student-vetted suggestions for the new 21-member hybrid Board of Education to consider as it begins its official business in January 2025.
2024 Impact Report
In a time of significant challenges and transitions within Chicago public education, Kids First Chicago celebrates the parent champions who put the interests of all kids first.
Update to Defeating the Digital Divide
Kids First Chicago presents new data analysis on the digital divide in Chicago, focusing on CPS students' device access and connectivity challenges.
Revenue Options to Address Chicago Public Schools' Deficit
Chicago Public Schools is facing a $738 million operating budget deficit for FY2025. Kids First Chicago explores six potential revenue options to address the deficit.
Chicago's Enrollment Crisis Part 2: Adopting Parent-led Solutions
Chicago's Enrollment Crisis Series: Adopting Parent-led Solutions
2023 Impact Report
As 2023 draws to a close, we find inspiration in the resilience and strength that Chicago families have shown over the past year. Recent years have reshaped our lives and underscored the importance of parent and community engagement, especially in education. Despite the challenges, Chicago parents have led the charge to break down barriers and create more opportunities for our children.