Chicago Ag Sciences High School Puts Boots-on-the-Ground Learning at the Center of Student Success (Chicago, IL) – When the morning bell rings at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, students don’t rush to desks — they head to the barn. Before first period begins, teenagers on the Southwest Side campus are mucking goat stalls, feeding alpacas, and turning cattle out to graze. Inside, future food scientists work dough in a full-scale commercial kitchen while horticulture students weave fresh twigs into holiday wreaths under the soft glow of greenhouse lights.
This blend of hands-on learning and industry-level training is what makes CHSAS one of Chicago Public Schools’ most distinctive campuses — and why 98 percent of its students graduated last year with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate. District leaders say the school is helping hundreds of CPS students fast-track their way into skilled, in-demand careers.
“When you see students tending to livestock, working alongside a master gardener, or making sourdough starter in a full-sized kitchen, it brings to life why CPS invests so deeply in real-world learning experiences,” said Dr. Macquline King, CPS’ interim CEO and superintendent. “Our mission is to offer world-class, immersive learning environments where students can grow toward whatever future they dream of.”
CTE Credentials on the Rise Across CPS
Districtwide, CTE attainment has surged, nearly tripling since 2019. The Class of 2025 earned 2,758 certifications across fields ranging from IT and nursing assistance to construction safety and precision tools.
As part of Success 2029: Together We Rise, CPS aims to increase the share of graduates who earn advanced coursework or career credentials from 49 percent in 2024 to 70 percent by 2029. Last year, the district moved to 56.3 percent — progress measured through AP and dual-credit coursework, industry certifications, the Seal of Biliteracy, internships, and Junior ROTC.
A Unique Chicago Campus
CPS leaders, including Chief of College and Career Success Megan Hougard, visited CHSAS this week to highlight the school’s standout results. Touring the barns, greenhouse and culinary classrooms, Hougard said the experience underscored the power of practical training.
“It’s powerful to walk through CHSAS and know that nearly every student graduates with a credential that gives them a head start,” she said.
Students can pursue certifications in agriculture, veterinary science, construction, food handling, welding, drone operation, first aid, CPR and more.
Principal William Hook said the school’s approach is rooted in connecting students directly with industry leaders.
“Hands-on application is central to our mission,” Hook said. “Our students are guided by professionals across industry, government and higher education, preparing them to become the next generation of leaders.”
Students Learn by Doing
For students like junior Jada Toussaint, who had just finished training cattle to walk on a harness, CHSAS is a dream years in the making.
“Being here is a really cool experience that I brag to my friends about,” she said. “Working with animals helps you learn responsibility and time management, but also how to care for living things. I want to go into the medical field, and this gives me great exposure to different anatomies.”
Skilled Trades Opportunities Expand Districtwide
While CHSAS is CPS’ only agricultural sciences campus, it is far from the only school offering skilled career pathways. More than 80 high schools across the district offer 34 CTE pathways — including carpentry, welding, HVAC, and construction trades — often with opportunities to earn college credit.
Many programs are supported through the Chicago Roadmap, a partnership with City Colleges of Chicago aimed at creating a smooth pipeline from high school to higher education and into high-growth careers.
From cattle pens to welding labs, CPS leaders say the district’s investment in hands-on learning is helping students discover their futures — and prepare for them long before graduation day.
Chicago Ag Sciences High School Puts Boots-on-the-Ground Learning at the Center of Student Success
