Charter public schools change lives. Here’s how.
What are charter public schools?
Charter schools are free, independent neighborhood public schools open to all children, including students who are English language learners and students with special needs. Charter schools do not have special entrance requirements and have the freedom to be innovative, while being held accountable for advancing student achievement.
Each charter public school is unique – both inside and out. Some may focus on college preparation, math and science, and others integrate the arts into each subject. While the possibilities are endless, charter public schools aim to provide a range of options so that parents can choose the school that best fits their child’s needs.
Charter Public Schools in Illinois
60,853students served throughout Illinois
8.7%of students are enrolled outside of Chicago
64elementary schools
57high schools
16combination schools
122charter schools in Chicago
15charter schools outside of Chicago
137charter schools in Illinois
Of the Illinois charter school population:
96.4%
are students of color**African American, Asian, Native American / Alaskan, Hispanic, Multi-racial, Pacific Islander / Hawaiian
85%
receive free or reduced lunch
14%
are enrolled in special education
In Illinois, twelve schools are authorized by the Illinois State Board of Education.* Eight are located in Chicago.
There are 4,691 students enrolled in State-authorized schools statewide; 2,930 are enrolled in Chicago.
Charter Schools in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) District:
114charter public schools in the CPS district
114charter public schools in the CPS district
54,375charter public school students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools
1 out of every 4high school students in CPS attends a charter high school
1 out of every 10CPS elementary school students attends a charter elementary school
Student Enrollment in CPS
Charter Schools
District-Run Schools
98.7%*identify as students of color
97.8%students are Black/African American and/or Latino
86%students receive free or reduced lunch
14.9%students with special needs
17.2%English language learners
86.3%*identify as students of color
81.7%students are Black/African American and/or Latino
77.5%students receive free or reduced lunch
13.9%students with special needs
20.7%English language learners
*African American, Asian, Native American / Alaskan, Hispanic, Multi-racial, Pacific Islander / Hawaiian
How are charter public schools changing lives?
The traditional public education system in Illinois has not adequately prepared all students to live successful lives. A history of systemic injustice has led to some students being underserved. Despite many reform efforts, too many Black/African American, Latino, low-income and students with disabilities are still leaving school underprepared for success.
At INCS, we’re working to ensure that all students – no matter their zip code, ethnicity, income or family background – have access to a high quality public education that prepares them to succeed in college, career and life.
Since the charter school movement began 20 years ago, charter public schools have proven to be undeniably successful in serving students and communities in need.
Chicago’s charter public schools serve the highest proportions of students in poverty of any urban charter network in the country. They also serve comparable rates of students of color, English language learners, and special education students as are served by district-run schools.
Because of our continued success, students and families are choosing charter public schools more than ever before. Today, we serve a record number of families across Illinois.
Total Statewide Charter School Enrollment
Statewide
Chicago
Total Chicago Charter School Enrollment
Statewide
Chicago
Statewide
Chicago
Charter public schools continue to excel in nearly every metric of academic achievement and student outcomes.
In Chicago, students who attend charter public schools are more likely to graduate from high school and college. According to a University of Chicago Consortium on School Research study, on average, charter school students’ performance on post-secondary outcomes was much higher than similar students who attended non-charter high schools.
Higher college and university enrollment rates
7.2% compared to 2.2% for similar students who attended district-run (non-selective) high schoolsHigher standardized test scores
10th-Grade PLAN and 11th-Grade ACT ScoresHigher completion of college coursework
21.4% complete at least 4 semesters compared to 13.0% of district-run (non-selective) school studentsHigher attendance and classroom engagement
Thanks in part to innovative, engaging curriculum that inspires today’s young minds
Chicago is a choice district.
How many students in Chicago Public Schools choose not to attend their zoned schools?
chevron_right
More than half of students across the district choose not to attend their zoned schools.
close
How far are students willing to travel to attend a school of their choice?
chevron_right
A typical high school student travels an average 3.6 miles to attend a school of their choice.
close
How many students opt out of their zoned high school to attend another district-run school?
chevron_right
Eighty percent of students who opt out of their zoned high school attend another district-run school.
close
Are all schools enrolling students to other schools?
chevron_right
No matter charter or district-run, all schools are now enrolling students zoned to other schools.
close
Is school choice good for families?
chevron_right
The majority of students receive a higher quality education when they opt out of their zoned school.
close
How are charter public schools performing?
Explore our interactive tool to compare charter public and district school performance on the Illinois State Report Card
Get Your School's Facts
Explore Chicago’s charter public and district school performance on the School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP)
Coming Soon!