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:
- Submit an online application
- Printing out the application, completing it, and either faxing it or mailing it to the appropriate location noted on the application
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from a CPS high school within the past five years and are seeking a copy of your high school transcript, or if you have withdrawn from a CPS high school within the past five years, submit a records request directly to your former high school.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.