The CPS Opportunity Index exists as a composite score attributed to elementary and high schools, both district-managed and charter. Certain types of schools (options, safe, early childhood education centers, and specialty) are not currently assigned an Opportunity Index given their unique educational models. Access to opportunity for these schools is considered on a case-by-case basis.

For each metric, the values are ranked by percentile and divided into quintiles. These quintiles are then assigned a point value between 1 and 5. Higher scores indicate being further from opportunity. For example, a school with a very high percentage of students in temporary living situations would receive a score of 5.

Scores for each metric are then averaged to produce a composite Opportunity Index Score, based on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, with 1.0 indicating having the most opportunity, and 5.0 being furthest from opportunity. Given the fundamental differences between PK-8 instruction and learning environments versus 9-12, elementary scores are calculated separately from high schools.

*** The sum of each of the indicator scores, rather than the average, is used in the CPS School Budget formula to help determine resource allocations as part of CPS’ need-based teacher and discretionary funding formulas. In this approach, schools range from 14 (lowest need) to 53 (highest need) out of a possible 60 points.

CPS’ Opportunity Index is deeply rooted in decades of academic research about the best ways that school districts can account for inequities and apply resources to ensure an equitable student experience. The index was developed in collaboration with communities and stakeholders to ensure their voices are being heard, and that their needs are being addressed. Moving forward, the Office of Equity is committed to leveraging the Spectrum of Inclusive Partnerships — centering the voices of stakeholders and partners — in our efforts to continuously improve the Opportunity Index over time.