Refugee/Newcomer Student Services

For parents, CPS provides parent and community engagement groups, events, and programs in the areas of academics, social skills, and community resources. Parents of English Learners can get involved in Bilingual Advisory Committees at their schools, and can attend Chicago Multilingual Parent Council meetings.  In addition to teachers and administrators at each school, parents of English learners can reach out to the English Learner Program Teacher (coordinator of programs for English learners) at each school.

For students, schools offer different English Learner Programs that help students develop academic language skills in English and receive instruction and support to give them access to classroom instruction. View the English Learners Program page to find more information about how students are identified as English Learners and about Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) and Transitional Programs of Instruction (TPI). Additionally, some schools offer Dual Language Programs.

Please note: high school students who are enrolling in CPS after relocating from abroad should have their educational credentials evaluated to receive CPS HS course credits for prior studies.

Enrollment Support Hotline flyer [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]

Your Role in Your Child's Education

The role of parents in a child’s education is vital. Parents play an important role in supporting their child’s learning and development. They can do this by helping with homework, attending school functions, and communicating with the child’s teacher. When parents are actively involved in their child’s education, it can make a big difference in their academic achievement, social development, and overall well-being.

Welcome Video for Parents and Caregivers

View our video below for ways to stay involved in your child’s education at CPS, including information on transportation resources, English Language Learning programs, and accessing Aspen, our online portal for students and parents.

Choose a language: English | Spanish | Ukrainian (English Subtitles) | Pashto (Dari Subtitles) | K'iche' (Spanish Subtitles) | Qʼeqchiʼ (Spanish Subtitles)