CHICAGO — A new report from Chalkbeat and ProPublica has revealed a worsening enrollment crisis in Chicago Public Schools, with nearly 150 schools operating at half-capacity or less, creating massive inefficiencies and financial strain across the city’s education system.
Half-Empty Schools Across the City
The report shows that 47 schools are currently operating at less than one-third of their intended capacity, with some campuses like Frederick Douglass Academy High School enrolling only 28 students at a staggering $93,000 per-student cost. Others, such as DuSable High School, were also highlighted for having steep costs despite low attendance.
The issue stems from a decade-long trend — CPS has lost over 70,000 students, dropping from nearly 400,000 to about 325,000 students this year. Forecasts suggest enrollment could decline further to as low as 300,000 in the next three years, largely due to a 43% drop in citywide birth rates from 2011 to 2021, according to ProPublica and Chalkbeat.
Impact on Students and Learning Environment
As schools shrink in size, course offerings and extracurricular activities also vanish. The report warns that students in these under-enrolled schools are missing out on clubs, sports, and even basic class diversity, contributing to lower graduation and college enrollment rates. Many also struggle with chronic truancy and higher dropout rates.
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Political and Financial Pressures
Despite the declining numbers, Chicago Public Schools continues to spend an average of $18,700 per student, though the cost in smaller schools can reach double or triple that figure. The city has avoided school closures in recent years due to political resistance and a moratorium passed in 2013 — a move now under growing scrutiny.
Outgoing CPS CEO Pedro Martinez acknowledged the problem, stating that “there are too many schools serving too few students.” Still, any efforts to consolidate have faced pushback from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU).
CTU leaders argue that Chicago’s progressive agenda could attract more families seeking refuge from national political shifts, including those related to immigration and reproductive rights. “The city is poised for a population turnaround,” said Jackson Potter, CTU Vice President, believing Chicago can position itself as a “progressive refuge” in a second Trump term as highlighted by Fox News.
What Happens Next?
With budget pressures mounting and facility repairs needed across many historic campuses, the city will soon be forced to choose between maintaining inefficient schools or consolidating resources. So far, no formal closure plans have been announced.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS leadership have not commented directly on any immediate plans but are under increasing pressure to act as the issue gains national attention.
What do you think? Should CPS merge half-empty schools or maintain them for neighborhood stability? Share your thoughts with us on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
