After 2 Years Of Increases, Chicago Public Schools Enrollment Drops 2.8 Percent

Chicago Public Schools reported a 2. 8 percent decrease in enrollment this school year, totaling 316,224 students. This marks the first decline in three years and follows a nearly 22 percent drop since the 2011-12 school year. Interim CEO Macquline King highlighted enrollment declines among Black, Hispanic, and English-learning students, while white, Asian American, multiracial, and disabled student enrollment increased. The drop is part of a broader trend affecting public school districts nationwide, attributed to declining birth rates and immigration concerns.

King pointed out that aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration has contributed to fears among families, leading some to leave the city or the country. As of now, the district has not released a comprehensive breakdown of enrollment data for individual schools. The challenges faced by CPS reflect not only local issues but also the effects of national policies on education. Continued monitoring of these trends is essential for understanding the future of public education in Chicago.