Chicago Public Schools Takes Spring Break Beginning April 11

CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15; classes will resume Monday, April 18. The District encourages families to stay safe and take advantage of local testing and vaccination sites as needed, as well as the District’s distribution of free meals through Wednesday, April 13. 

“I hope that our students and their families, as well as our staff, can take some time to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy all that our city offers during Spring Break,” said CPS Pedro Martinez. “I know the past two years have been challenging for all and I’m inspired daily by the tenacity, resilience and dedication of our school communities.”

On Thursday,  Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman announced the 2022 Spring Forward campaign—a week-long campaign to connect Chicago’s youth to events, programs, and community service activities during the CPS Spring Break. The many opportunities for young people are listed through the My CHI. My Future website, MyCHIMyFuture.org.

The Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Park District offer a variety of programs and events for CPS families throughout the year, including Spring Break. For more information on partnerships and available District resources and programs, families can visit cps.edu/SpringBreak2022.

Navy Pier will host family-friendly events through Sunday, April 17.  Admission is free to these special cooking classes, arts and crafts, interactive sports, and science demonstrations. Visit Navy Pier’s website for a full list of spring break events.

Safe Haven sites across the city will offer programs tailored to spring break. The program incorporates social-emotional learning, academic assistance, healthy meals and fun activities to entertain students on break. Families can visit cps.edu/SpringBreak2022 for more information on Safe Haven sites and programs.

Meal Distribution

More than 70 schools will provide families with breakfast and lunch for every student in their household. Meals will be available on Monday, April 11, Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Identifications are not required to pick up a Grab-and-Go Meal at distribution sites throughout the city.

COVID-19 Testing

CPS will not be conducting in-school COVID-19 testing when students are out of school. CPS has identified more than 150 pediatric COVID-19 testing sites throughout Chicago that will be testing during Spring Break. In-school testing will resume when students return to school on April 18. Parents can sign up their children for in-school testing by visiting color.com/readycheckgo-cps.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

CPS will not be offering in-school vaccine events while students are out of school. The District has gathered information on vaccination sites for those who want to take advantage of the break to get their vaccine or booster shot. Vaccinations continue to offer the best protection from COVID-19. 

• Visit cps.edu/SpringBreak2022 to find links to vaccine opportunities.
• In-school vaccine events will resume when students return to school on April 18. Visit cps.edu/vaccinations for details about upcoming CPS-managed vaccine events

Travel Guidance

For those planning to travel over the break, please consult Chicago’s Travel Advisory for information on COVID-19 safety protocols in different areas of the United States. The Chicago Department of Health (CDPH) is advising travelers, especially the unvaccinated, to take extra precautions in areas with elevated COVID-19 risk levels.

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