District Overview - Quality

A note on SQRP

In the past, the ARA used School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) ratings to provide information about student and school performance. In 2020, CPS suspended SQRP due to the impact of COVID-19.

CPS updated the ARA to share data on graduation rates, college enrollment, and college persistence while SQRP ratings are not being calculated. These data points provide an alternative way to understand school quality at the high school level.

CPS is also in the process of redesigning the district's accountability system (SQRP). For more information on that process, visit cps.edu/strategic-initiatives/accountability-redesign/.

How Has School Quality Led to Student Preparedness for Postsecondary Success?

Understanding Indicators of Postsecondary Success

While the School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) was suspended for school years 2020-21 and 2021-22, some data on student outcomes is available as an indicator of how schools are preparing high school students for postsecondary success.

High School Graduation

In the 2021-22 school year, 83% of high school students graduated high school in four years. Since 2018-19, the high school graduation rate has increased from 80%.

Map of 4-Year Graduation Rate by Home Region

NOTE: For more information about how the high school graduation rate is calculated, visit cps.edu/about/district-data/metrics/.

College Enrollment

For high school students who graduated in 2021, 62% enrolled in college after graduation. Since the class of 2018, the college enrollment rate has decreased from 67%.

Nationally, college enrollment and persistence have declined significantly in the last three years; impacted greatly by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Map of College Enrollment Rate by Home Region

NOTE: The graduating class of 2021 is the most recent year that college enrollment data is available.

For more information about how the high school graduation rate is calculated, visit cps.edu/about/district-data/metrics/.

College Persistence

For high school students who graduated in 2020, 71% enrolled and persisted in college. Since the class of 2017, the college persistence rate has decreased from 73%.

Nationally, college enrollment and persistence have declined significantly in the last three years; impacted greatly by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Map of College Persistence Rate by Home Region

NOTE: The graduating class of 2020 is the most recent year that college persistence data is available.

For more information about how the college persistence rate is calculated, visit cps.edu/about/district-data/metrics/.