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Student Records and Transcripts

Former students can obtain copies of transcripts and other permanent student records.

Transcripts are the official and complete record of a student's academic achievements. They may be needed for various reasons, including transferring to a different school, applying to extracurricular programs, and applying to college or other postsecondary opportunities. 

CPS can provide former students with a copy of a high school transcript, verification of a graduation date from high school, a copy of a elementary school transcript, and an elementary registration card or immunization records.

Current CPS students should see their school counselor to request a copy of their transcript.

Transcript and Record Request Process

Former students can submit a request for a transcript or other permanent student record in one of two ways:

Records are mailed to your desired location via the US postal service. CPS does not offer a walk-in records request service, and does not provide same-day or expedited document return services.

When making a transcript or records request, please consider the following projected timelines, allowing time for postal service delivery, to receive your records:

  • 1989 to present: 2-3 business days from the time we receive your request – Allow extra time to receive via US mail
  • 1988 and prior: 5-7 business days from the time we receive your request – Allow extra time to receive via US mail

If you are seeking a copy of your immunization records on file prior to 1989, you must submit your request directly to your former school.

Transcript and Record Request Fees

There is no fee for the first records request made by a former student, but each additional request requires a $4.00 money order made payable to Chicago Public Schools.

Recent CPS Graduates

If you graduated from a CPS high school within the past five years and are seeking a copy of your high school transcript, or if you have withdrawn from a CPS high school within the past five years, submit a records request directly to your former high school.

Records Requests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Filings

Former or current students seeking their elementary and high school transcripts for a DACA filing should submit a printable application with a $4.00 money order made payable to Chicago Public Schools, and indicate that the request is for purposes of a DACA filing.

Mail your application and money order to:

Chicago Public Schools
Former Student Records - DACA
3532 W. 47th Place
Chicago, IL. 60632

Third-Party Transcript and Records Requests

Third-party requests for records on behalf of a former student must be printed on business or institutional letterhead with an appropriate signed authorization and release from the former student.

Requests must include a minimum of the following information:

  • Student's name at the time of graduation
  • School and year of graduation
  • Date of birth

Third parties must mail their authorized request with a $15 company check or money order (per request) made payable to Chicago Public Schools. Include a fax number, if available, or a return mailing address. All third-party requests will be returned by fax unless requested otherwise.

 

1989 to present: 2-3 business days from the time we receive your request – Allow extra time to receive via US mail

Mail request to:

Office of Compliance
Former Student Records - 1989 to Present
3532 W. 47th Place
Chicago, IL. 60632

 

1988 and prior: 5-7 business days from the time we receive your request – Allow extra time to receive via US mail

Mail request to:

Chicago Public Schools
Former Student Records 1988 and Prior
3532 W. 47th Place, 1st Floor
Chicago, IL. 60632

 

For more information about transcripts and other permanent student records, email Former Student Records at fsrecordsco@cps.edu.

Notice of Student Record Retention and Disposal

The law requires the Board of Education of the City of Chicago (the “Board”) to maintain educational records, which includes both “permanent records” and “temporary records.” A student’s permanent record contains the student’s name, place and date of birth, address, transcript, parent(s) name(s) and address(es), attendance records, and other information mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. The student’s temporary records include all school-related student information not contained in the permanent record. Student records may include both paper and electronic records.

According to Board policy, the retention periods for student records are as follows:

Student Grade Level

Record Category

Minimum Record Retention Period

Destruction Authorized When

Elementary and High School

Permanent Student Records

82 years after the student’s date of birth

Student Age – 83*

Elementary and High School

Temporary Special Education Records

27 years after the student’s date of birth

Student Age – 28*

High School

Temporary Student Records

27 years after the student’s date of birth

Student Age – 28*

Elementary School

Temporary Student Records

21 years after the student’s date of birth

Student Age – 21*

The Board will follow the above retention schedule and will destroy these student records in the natural course of business when the records are eligible for disposal. Notice of the record disposal schedule is also provided through annual newspaper publication. To review student records after the student has transferred, graduated or withdrawn from school, parents and students may contact us at 773-535-4110. For additional information, refer to the Board’s Policy on Student Records.

Office of Former Student Records

773-535-4110

773-535-4112 (Fax)

fsrecordsco@cps.edu

3532 W. 47th Place
Chicago, IL 60632