Five CPS Schools Ranked Among the Best Schools in the US

The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report have once again placed Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in the national spotlight, with five of its schools securing spots among the top 100 in the country. Walter Payton College Prep, which ranked number 5, increased its ranking by five spots from last year. Renowned for its consistent excellence, Payton has long been hailed as Illinois's premier educational institution and has frequently garnered recognition among the nation's top schools.

Joining Walter Payton are Northside College Prep (No. 35), Whitney Young Magnet High School (No. 52), Jones College Prep (No. 53) and Lane Tech (No. 60). U.S. News & World Report's methodology, which considers various indicators of school quality, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and graduation rates, seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of each institution's performance. These rankings underscore the dedication and hard work of students, educators, parents, and community members.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Proposed Bill Aims to Freeze Changes in Chicago Public Schools

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at halting Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials from closing schools or altering selective-enrollment programs until a fully elected school board assumes control in 2027. This legislative move follows a decision by Mayor Brandon Johnson's Board of Education in December to focus on providing resources to neighborhood schools, which have suffered from years of funding cuts, rather than prioritizing selective enrollment schools. Johnson's administration has provided reassurance that selective schools won't face severe cuts or closure, since these represent some of the best schools in the country; its goal is rather to expand some of the programming available at selective schools to neighborhood schools.

The proposed bill, sponsored by state Rep. Margaret Croke, would prevent CPS from changing the “standards for admission” to selective enrollment schools. It also seeks to ensure that major decisions about school closures or program changes await the establishment of a fully elected school board. However, critics argue that the bill might hinder efforts to diversify selective programs and address demographic disparities.

Supporters emphasize the need for democratic decision-making and transparency, but concerns remain about the potential consequences of delaying significant educational reforms. The bill's passage would signify a significant shift in governance structure for CPS, impacting everything from admission policies to budget allocations. As debates continue, the bill's fate holds implications not only for Chicago's educational landscape but also for broader discussions surrounding equity, resource allocation, and democratic governance in public education.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266