School and Family

Chicago offers free public education through Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to all Chicago residents—regardless of race, immigration status, language, or religious beliefs - and a wide array of resources to support families in navigating the school system.

Every child in Chicago aged 5 and older has the right to free public education. No Social Security number or proof of citizenship is required to enroll.

Chicago students can either attend their neighborhood school or apply to attend nearly any school in the city that they are eligible for and has available seats.

To enroll: 
Visit your local school or use the CPS School Locator. These websites will help you find your neighborhood school or specific programs for your children

Required documents:

  • Proof of your child’s age (passport, birth certificate, or official document)
  • Proof of address (letter, lease, or bill with your name)
  • Health forms or immunization records (not required to start) 

CPS provides English Learner (EL) support, Dual Language instruction, and other bilingual programs and services. For help, ask for a Language Access Coordinator at your school.

The English Learners program is for students who come from non-English speaking households and are learning english. Over 70,000 students take part in the program across all CPS. 

To learn more about these programs, and support for immigrant and refugee students, please visit the Office of Multilingual, Multicultural Education. 

Children as young as 3 can join free or affordable programs like:

  • Chicago Early Learning 
    Chicago early learning is a program to help Chicago’s youngest learners. You need to apply for the programs and find the right fit for your family. Apply year-round at Chicago Early Learning or call 312-229-1690. Translation support is available. Children from 3 years old or 4 years old on or by September 1 are eligible for Pre K programs. CPS provides Pre-K programs at over 600 sites.

  • Head Start and Early Head Start 
    Another early education program available for children in the Chicagoland area. There are nearly 35 locations available to select from. More than 35 different independently operated early childhood programs. Head start has multiple programs based on your child's age. For the ages of 0-3 you can have home visitations or center based care. For ages 3-5 head start offers high quality instruction from specially trained instructors. Head start also assists in transportation, employment, child care supplies, stable housing, and much more.

  • Community-based pre-K centers 
    These are city wide educational programs for children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old. Community based programs provide a wide range of support for families including extended hours, smaller class sizes, and even support for the whole family. Visit the website to find more information about community based pre-k centers and to find the right program for your family

CPS and the Chicago Park District offer hundreds of activities:

  • Homework help & tutoring
  • Sports, music & arts
  • High school, College and career planning
  • School meals and nutrition help
  • Summer day camps

After-school and summer programs offered by CPS and the Chicago Park District provide hundreds of activities that support youth development, learning, and fun outside in the classroom. Whether it's learning to code, joining a dance team, or playing basketball, there is something for every student to get involved in. Check your local school or park district location for availability.

Chicago supports immigrant youth through leadership and empowerment programs:

Youth leadership and empowerment programs involve preparing young people with skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead positive change in their communities. It encourages them to voice their ideas, and become active participants in decision-making processes. By fostering leadership qualities early, we not only shape our future leaders, but also empower youth to make meaningful connections.

Whether you want to learn English, earn a degree, or start a new career, City Colleges of Chicago can help.

Choose a campus near you:

These institutions provide academic programs, ESL classes, GED preparation, career certifications, and transfer opportunities to four-year universities. 

Opportunities for Immigrant and Undocumented Students:

Explore programs: City Colleges Program Finder
The program finder is a great tool which shows all the available programs the city of chicago colleges have to offer. You can see in depth what is available and what interests you the most or fits your schedule the best. 

Free or low-cost programs include:

  • GED and ESL classes
  • Workforce training and certifications
  • Credit transfer pathways to four-year universities

If your child has a disability or needs learning support: 
CPS will provide an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other accommodations.  Services are free and available in many languages.

For help:

CPS offers interpretation during meetings and document translation in over 35 languages.
Ask your school about your rights, or contact: CPS Language Services: 773-553-1930 
Learn more about CPS newcomer student service

Need help understanding your options or completing school or education forms? Call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline: 1-800-HELP-MY-FAMILY for free multilingual assistance.