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Resources For the First Day, and Beyond

This page provides resources to support students and parents in the 2023-24 school year. Read through the information carefully to ensure you and your student are ready for a successful return to school.

Getting to School

  • Transportation Services

    Your student's school is your main source for information about eligibility for transportation services provided by CPS. To find out if your child is eligible, contact your school directly or call the CPS Office of Transportation Services at 773-553-2860.

  • Safe Passage Routes

    The Safe Passage program is offered to select schools to provide a positive, trusted adult presence for students as they travel to and from school. Safe Passage workers are posted on Safe Passage routes to support children traveling to and from school during arrival and dismissal bell times.

  • Public Transit

    To learn more about Ventra passes for CPS students, please contact your school directly. Contact information for your child's school can be found by using the CPS School Info Map.

Packing For School

It’s important for you and your child to be prepared for the first day of school, and checking this list of recommended school supplies is the best way to make sure our students have everything they need.

The school supply list is subject to change per teacher request. Please contact your child’s school to get a complete list of the school supplies needed for the upcoming school year. School contact information is available on the CPS School Locator.

Meals at School

CPS provides all students free breakfast and lunch meals. Some schools also serve after-school snacks, after-school suppers, Saturday meals, and summer meals. For questions, please email food@cps.edu.

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image of fruits and vegetables being served with a meal

Meals at School

CPS provides all students free breakfast and lunch meals. Some schools also serve after-school snacks, after-school suppers, Saturday meals, and summer meals. For questions, please email food@cps.edu.

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Accessing Your CPS Account

Get your technology ready for school by logging into or setting up your CPS account. This will give you access to all the Google Tools needed for classroom activities. All students are issued a CPS account upon enrollment; however, students who have never logged in to their account will need to claim their account before they can access their email and other CPS applications.

Health Resources

Find information about accessing the basic health care all students need to thrive. To view CPS health requirements and forms for School Year 2023-24, view the Student Health & School Forms Booklet in English or Spanish.

Academic Resources

Plan your year ahead by exploring the many academic opportunities available to you at CPS.