Academic Program Request for Proposal (RFP)

At Chicago Public Schools (CPS), our vision for success is for every student in every neighborhood to be engaged in a rigorous, well-rounded instructional program that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. 

The district has focused on strengthening neighborhood schools with high-quality academic programming since 2011. Since the inaugural 2018 Academic Program Focus Request for Proposals (RFP), Chicago Public Schools has committed over $57 million in new high-quality programming at 61schools across the district through this process, affecting nearly 31,000 students.

The RFP continues to put the voice of our school communities front and center. Through this process, schools are able to submit proposals requesting the addition of specific academic programs in their schools. In this process, the district seeks to maintain integrity in district decision making, provide even greater transparency and clarity into how academic programs are added to schools, and increase access to high-quality academic programming across the district.

The district will give careful consideration to applications that address an access gap and a programmatic need; have the appropriate entry criteria and plan for implementation; and demonstrate clear support from the school administration, local school council, students, and parents. Schools that apply but are not chosen will be given clear, objective rationale, as well as areas of improvement so they can focus on strengthening structures to ensure successful program implementation.

SY21 Request for Proposals

Annually, CPS seeks from elementary and high school leaders requesting the addition of specific academic programs in their schools. School communities with questions about the Academic Focus RFP can email the Programs Focus team at programsfocus@cps.edu.

The SY21 Request for Proposals has concluded and is not accepting applications at this time.  Please visit this page often for updates on the RFP.

RFP Evaluation

Phase 1 Letter of Intent

In Phase 1, applicants are required to submit a brief letter of intent (using a provided form) that details the school community’s support for the program and how the requested program aligns with the school’s mission and vision.   Applicants are also expected to explain how data, including Annual Regional Analysis data, supports a need for the program in the school and broader community.  In the letter of intent phase, applicants must provide signed letters of support from their LSC Chair and Network Chief with their submission.

Applying schools are highly encouraged to utilize resources provided on this webpage to learn more about their desired program and how data (including the Annual Regional Analysis, CPS District Data and existing programmatic access data) support their proposal.

In Phase 1 of the RFP, applicants must demonstrate school and community alignment in support of the desired program. In this Phase, each applicant school will be analyzed to determine the need for support based on resource equity and the need for added availability of programming based on access to similar programming. Applicants meeting the evaluation criteria in Phase 1 will be advanced to RFP Phase 2, the full application process. 

Please note that schools may only apply for one program in any given RFP cycle. 

Phase 2 Application

In Phase 2 of the RFP, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive written proposal in response to the Academic Focus RFP application.  Schools that submit a full written proposal in Phase 2 also will participate in a site visit with RFP evaluators.  The written proposal and site visit will require applicants to demonstrate their plans and readiness to implement the requested program with fidelity.

CPS reserves the right to modify RFP expectations and requirements as needed to ensure alignment with the RFP goals of equitably increasing programmatic access and promoting best practices in high-quality program implementation.