School Assignment

Cluster Programs are designed for students ages 3–22 requiring significantly modified curriculum and rigorous, specially designed instruction with moderate or intensive support in a separate setting for the majority (over 61%) of the day, per the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This can include electives and other specialized classes, lunch, recess, assemblies, field trips, and school events. Cluster programs types include:

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing program ensures students learn, grow and belong in a language rich environment while supporting students, families and professionals through district-wide support and outreach services. This includes Itinerant Services (consultative or direct services in general education or special education settings) and cluster-based programs.

CPS students who are blind or have severe visual impairments attend schools that have VI resource room programs. These students are fully included in their general education or cluster classrooms and receive direct services from licensed teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) in the VI resource room or in their classes in a co-teaching model. The focus of their instruction involves IEP goals written to strengthen student skills in the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments. Resource room TVIs are permanently assigned to their schools and provide consultative services to classroom teachers and school staff members to ensure student success in the least restrictive environment by collaborating on strategies for implementation of IEP accommodations.

An accessible building is only required for students who are unable to access their neighborhood school or school of choice due to building accessibility.

Specialty Schools and Transition Learning Centers provide specialized education for high school students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. Programs capitalize on student interest and strength while preparing them to become members of the community.

Day Schools or Residential environments are nonpublic special education programs that provide educational, therapeutic and/or residential services to students with disabilities. Typically, students placed in nonpublic programs have such severe and possibly complicated educational and clinical needs that the IEP Team determines that no less restrictive setting on the continuum of alternative placements is appropriate within the home school district to meet the needs of the student. 

Home and Hospital setting is provided to students to access instruction while the student is away from school managing an illness. This program strives to keep the student on track with classroom instruction and facilitate the seamless return to the classroom setting.