Planning Rationale
Although school sites vary in configuration, most school designs are intended to fit on a standard City of Chicago block. For high schools, an additional city block is necessary to provide adequate space for outdoor athletic functions.
To encourage sustainable and multi-modal transportation, new schools shall be located close to public transportation, accommodate bike parking, bicycle network connectivity, walking routes, and provide electric vehicle charging stations. Improvements to existing schools shall consider sustainability and multi-modal transportation when developing site plans and programming spaces.
Initial site planning shall coordinate with Fire Department and Emergency services to provide unobstructed access routes to school entrances.
On-site rainwater management strategies shall be developed that optimize the natural hydrology of the site and minimize the need for underground sewer and storm infrastructure and which do not create frequent ponding of water throughout the site.
Elementary Schools
For elementary schools most students are expected to arrive by walking. When possible, a bus drop-off area will be provided. The bus drop-off area will ideally allow for several buses to drop off children directly onto school grounds, but specific loading will be determined on an individual project basis.
High Schools
High schools serve students from various neighborhoods, and it is expected that most of the student population will arrive at their schools via public transportation. There is typically at least one school bus serving each high school that transports Diverse Learners. Specific bus loading needs will be determined on an individual project basis with CPS.
Refer to Section Volume 2, 3.0 Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Planning for site selection and construction strategies