Chicago Public Schools Students Return for First Day of 2025-26 School Year (Chicago, IL) – The sound of ringing bells and the sight of excited students carrying new backpacks filled hallways across Chicago Public Schools on Monday as more than 300,000 children returned for the first day of the 2025-26 school year. Preschoolers will join the citywide return on Tuesday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King marked the occasion by visiting Mary E. Courtenay Language Arts Center in Uptown — where King once served as principal — before heading to Austin College and Career Academy High School, one of 16 schools newly designated as Sustainable Community Schools this year.
“This morning, school bells are ringing out across Chicago, calling our young people to a year of learning, new friendships, growth and limitless possibility,” Johnson said. “Our teachers are ready, our classrooms are ready, and the entire city is behind our scholars every step of the way.”
Dr. King, who took over leadership of the district this summer, said the first day still brings a sense of joy after three decades in education. “There’s nothing like the energy of students racing through the halls, faces lit up with excitement,” she said. “It’s a powerful reminder that our work matters as we prepare the next generation of great thinkers and collaborative problem solvers.”
A Summer of Preparations
Ahead of the new year, CPS invested in summer learning programs, professional development for educators, and expanded academic offerings. Thousands of students took part in courses ranging from math enrichment to career-focused camps, while more than 900 school leaders and 400 new teachers participated in training sessions.
The district is also broadening access to dual language, world language, and arts education programs, while piloting new literacy, math, STEM, and computer science initiatives.
Board of Education President Sean B. Harden thanked families and staff for their efforts to prepare students for success. “We are committed to making this school year one that focuses on academic growth, amplifies student voice, and strengthens community connections,” Harden said.
Focus on Early Learning and Careers
CPS leaders highlighted early childhood education as a priority, with free, full-day preschool offered to all four-year-olds and record enrollment in pre-K programs. Leslie Mckinily, chief of early childhood education, said the district’s goal is to ensure “all children deserve the same opportunity for that head start.”
At the high school level, CPS continues to grow career and college pathways, including partnerships with City Colleges of Chicago through the “Chicago Roadmap.” Last year, 6,600 students earned 66,000 college credits, with more than 200 students graduating with both a diploma and an associate degree.
Staffing and Facilities
District officials touted progress in hiring, reporting the lowest teacher vacancy rates in recent history, thanks to the Teach Chicago recruitment program. This year, more than half of new CPS teachers are Black or Latino, the highest proportion in over a decade.
Students also returned to improved facilities, with summer projects ranging from renovated athletic fields to updated classrooms. CPS also became the first K-12 system in the nation to earn Gold Certification from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program.
Budget Outlook
The district is preparing to adopt a balanced budget by the end of August after closing a $734 million deficit. The draft budget, now available for public review, will go before the Board of Education on Aug. 28.
Mayor Johnson said the city is ready to stand behind its students and schools in the year ahead. “Our children deserve the best start possible,” he said. “And today, we take that first step together.”
Chicago Public Schools Students Return for First Day of 2025-26 School Year
