Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Peace Day 2025

CHICAGO - Thirty-one Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will join festivities today at the 47th annual Peace Day Chicago in Richard J. Daley Plaza. More than 1,500 CPS students are expected to attend the 11:30 a.m. event, which is sponsored by The Peace School, the founding organization of Peace Day Chicago and a United Nations Peace Messenger organization.

The Peace School dedicates itself to peacebuilding with the support of public figures who serve as the committee’s honorary chairs. The organization works tirelessly to foster an environment where peace is not just a concept, but a living practice integrated into daily life. It provides resources, support, and programming to help schools and communities address conflict, build understanding, and create long-lasting solutions for peaceful coexistence. With the backing of influential public figures who serve as honorary chairs of the event, the Peace School amplifies its message, ensuring that peace remains a priority in both local and global contexts.

Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King will serve as an Honorary Co-Chair of Peace Day Chicago, alongside elected officials, members of the United States House of Representatives, the State of Illinois General Assembly, Cook County officials, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other City officials.

"I am honored to participate in any event where our District students are seen and heard," said Dr. King. "Their voices are critical to our school communities, especially at a time when there is so much uncertainty. Our students are the District's most important priority, and they are our partners in advocating for safe and peaceful communities."

Thirty-one District schools will participate in the event at Daley Plaza:

Acero – Jovita Idár Elementary School
Mariano Azuela Elementary School
Ludwig Van Beethoven Elementary School
Andrew Carnegie Elementary School
John B. Drake Elementary School
William F. Finkl Elementary School
Frazier International Magnet School
Academy for Global Citizenship
John H. Hamline Elementary School
Lane Tech College Prep High School
Oscar Mayer Magnet School
Ronald McNair Elementary School
National Teachers Academy
North-Grand High School
Ombudsman Northwest High School
John J. Pershing STEAM Magnet Elementary School
Charles A. Prosser Career Academy High School
George Pullman Elementary School
Richards Career Academy High School
Ruggles Elementary STEAM School
Sabin Dual Language Academy
Schubert Elementary School
S.T.E.M. Magnet Academy
Charles Sumner Math & Science Community Academy
William Howard Taft High School
Talcott Fine Arts & Museum Academy
Henry O. Tanner Elementary School
Emmitt Till Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Elementary School
George W. Tilton Elementary
Jacqueline B. Vaughn Occupational High School
Joseph Warren Elementary School

In addition, Arthur A. Libby Elementary School, located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, will host a "Peace Walk" at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, to observe International Day of Peace. The Libby school community, which has been deeply affected by violence, includes students who have lost family members, friends, and loved ones to senseless acts of violence. The peaceful march will begin at 5300 S. Loomis Blvd., proceed to Garfield Blvd., and return to the school.

The goal of the walk is to send a clear message that children desire to live in peace and harmony, not in fear.

For more information regarding the student voice, visit https://sve.cps.edu/student-voice/.