Pioneer Program

The Longer School Day Pioneer Program is built on a simple fact – Chicago Public School students spend 15% less time in the classroom than the average American public school student. We have the shortest school day of all major American urban school districts. While the ultimate goal is to have a longer day in every school in CPS, we're supporting all schools that voluntarily participate in lengthening the school day by January of 2012.

A longer school day is a richer school day … one that provides for 90 additional minutes of instruction. That means more time for reading, math and science -- and also for enrichment programs like art, music and physical education, which are proven to boost student achievement. And it provides time for a longer lunch and a real recess.

In Participating schools received up to $150,000 in discretionary funds which may be used for supporting the Longer School Day. Schools could purchase technology, intervention programs, or additional staffing positions for enrichment.

Watch CEO Brizard's video message to teachers about the Longer School Day Pioneer Program website and read CEO Brizard's letter to teachers on the facts about the program.

Read letters from parents on the Longer School Day Pioneer Program

Why We Need It

Of the 10 major cities in the nation, Chicago ranks last in the amount of time students spend in the classroom.

Today, CPS students receive 15% less instructional time than the national average.

Academic studies, education experts, and high-achieving schools with extended time in Chicago and across the nation confirm that additional instructional time is a key factor in student success.

How Schools Use it

The additional 90 minutes per day will benefit students by providing the opportunity to:

• Spend more time on core academic subjects including math, science, social studies.
• Work on literacy skills and provide reading intervention for struggling students.
• Broaden enrichment opportunities including physical education, art, music, library time.
• Give students an adequate mid-day lunch and recess period so that they can recharge.
• Provide students with individualized interventions to help improve skills in math, science and core subjects as well as behavioral interventions and supplemental work for gifted students.