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 $50 million in new high-quality programming at 54 schools across the district through this process, affecting nearly 27,000 students.
The 2021 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 third year of 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
CPS is seeking proposals from elementary and high school leaders requesting the addition of specific academic programs in their schools. The information, forms, and support tools needed to complete this application can be found in the three tabs on this site:
- Timeline - This tab provides a timeline of the RFP process.
- Program Overviews and RFP Resources - This tab provides an overview of each program to which you can apply, and additional resources for school communities.
- Community Events - This tab provides a list of outreach events and links to register.
Letter of Intent
The Letter of Intent (LOI) application and accompanying documents should be emailed to programsfocus@cps.edu no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 5, 2021.
- Letter of Intent
- Network Chief Support Form (Network Chiefs can fill out the attached form for the LOI submission)
RFP Evaluation
Phase 1 Evaluation Criteria
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.
Phase 2 Evaluation Criteria
In Phase 2 of the RFP, applicants will be evaluated based upon readiness to implement the desired program with fidelity. Applicants will be evaluated both on their written proposal as well as through a virtual site visit by program-specific experts.
Timeline
| Activity | Proposed Date | Information and Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of Intent (Phase 1) Released | January 13, 2021 | |
| Community Engagement Events |
January 21, 2021, |
Please review the Community Events section for specific times and registration details. |
| Letter of Intent (Phase 1) Due | February 5, 2021 | Letter of Intent and accompanying materials due by 5pm to programsfocus@cps.edu |
| Notification of Phase 1 Outcomes |
February 19, 2021 | Applicant schools will be notified via email of LOI results |
| Release Full RFP (Phase 2) | February 19, 2021 | Phase 2 RFP will be released to Invited schools |
| RFP Due | March 19, 2021 | |
| Evaluation / Site Visit Period | March 19 - April 16, 2021 | |
| Program Award Announcements | April 30, 2021 | Announce Program Focus awards |
| Program Incubation Begins |
July 2021 |
CPS reserves the right to request additional information and documentation from applicants, as deemed necessary for review, and to amend this timeline as needed.
Program Overviews
Key information about each programmatic area is available in the linked PDFs below. Please review the summary for the program you are applying for. If you have any questions, please email programsfocus@cps.edu.
Downloadable Program Overviews
- Dual Language Program Overview
- Early College STEM Program Overview
- Fine & Performing Arts Program Overview
- International Baccalaureate Program Overview
- Personalized Learning Program Overview
- Regional Gifted Program Overview
- STEAM Program Overview
- STEM Program Overview
- World Language FLEX (Magnet Cluster) Program Overview
Annual Regional Analysis
School communities should refer to the Annual Regional Analysis to help them analyze information related to issues of need and access including: Program Density by Region, Variety of Schools and Programs Offered, Time and Distance of Students Traveling to School, and other metrics regarding program access.
CPS District Data
School communities may also refer to CPS District Data, which contains a variety of district aggregated data that may be helpful to prospective applicants.
Network Maps
The following maps display the current programming by Network. ISP, AUSL, and Charter, Contract, and Options Schools are displayed within their geographic network.
Elementary Schools
- Network 1
- Network 2
- Network 3
- Network 4
- Network 5
- Network 6
- Network 7
- Network 8
- Network 9
- Network 10
- Network 11
- Network 12
- Network 13
High Schools
Citywide Maps by Program
- Dual Language
- Fine & Performing Arts
- International Baccalaureate
- Personalized Learning
- Regional Gifted
- STEM and other Math & Science Programming
Unsure of your community area or school’s network? The CPS School Locator Map has overlays for the Elementary and High School Networks. Click the “Overlays” icon in the top-right corner of the map, and, under “Geographic Overlays”, select if you’d like to see the elementary or high school networks on the map.
Community Outreach Events
These virtual events are open to any and all school/community stakeholders. There will be a presentation about the background, application process, and contours of the programs offered through the process, and the event will provide an opportunity for Q&A and breakout sessions by program area for a more detailed explanation of the programs available. The outreach events will be held virtually.
| Virtual Event | Date |
|---|---|
|
Community Information Session on Academic Focus |
Thursday, January 21, 2021 5pm - 6:30pm |
|
Community Information Session on Academic Focus |
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 5pm - 6:30pm |
A recording of the January 26 Community Information Session is available for review.
Application Workshops
These virtual events are open to principals / lead applicants to discuss the Annual Regional Analysis (ARA) and other data analysis, and to provide general application support and Q&A about the application and evaluation process.
School-based applicants can sign up for an available 30-minute time slot during the week of January 25 - 29, 2021.