1. Design and Construction /
  2. Vol. 1 General Overview and Goals /
  3. 2.0 District Introduction/Overview /
  4. 2.2 CPS Facility Types

2.2.2 Elementary Schools

Planning Rationale

CPS elementary schools serve students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The foundation of a child’s academic interests and future educational desires are incubating during this time. Every elementary school works to understand each child and create an environment where they will flourish.

In order to provide the various environments that support student development, the district has a number of school types. A Campus may contain one or more of the following school types. While the overarching educational facility goals are the same, there may be varying program requirements.

Elementary School and Program Types:

  • Neighborhood School: Serves students who live within a designated attendance boundary.
  • Academic Centers: Housed in designated high schools for academically advanced students in grades 7-8.
  • Charter & Contract: Open to all Chicago children. These schools operate independently from the Board and each other. Contract schools are operated by private entities under contract with CPS to provide an additional education option for students.
  • Diverse Learners Cluster Programs: Serve students who require moderate to intensive supports. These schools and programs have a reduced classroom size which is typically 13 students.
  • Gifted Schools and Programs: Selective enrollment schools such as Regional Gifted Centers, Classical Schools and Academic Centers for academically advanced students and do not have attendance boundaries.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs: IB offers four programs: The Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), the IB Diploma Program (DP) and the Career-Related Program (CP). Each program has specific facility requirements that must be in place to receive the IB designation.
  • Magnet Schools & Magnet Cluster Schools: Specializes in a specific subject area, such as Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Math and Science, World Language, or Dual Language. Magnet schools do not have attendance boundaries while Magnet Cluster Schools have a neighborhood attendance boundary.