Kids First Chicago

Kids First Chicago is dramatically improving education for Chicago’s children by ensuring high-quality public schools are accessible to all families.

In 2000, only one out of two students graduated from Chicago Public Schools. Kids First Chicago formed to imagine a world where every child in every community has access to a world-class education. They believe that a healthy education environment where kids, schools, and communities thrive is the key to a world-class city. They believe that those closest to our students are best equipped to design policies and systems that will improve equity and lead to stronger outcomes for Chicago students and communities.

Kids First Chicago has supported 81 schools, unique school leadership models, and high-quality opportunities for nearly 65,000 students. Today, Chicago's graduation rate is at an all time high of 78%. Kids First Chicago is determined to build upon that percentage. They are giving Chicago youth access to high-quality education through "Giving parents the mic", shaping policies that put kids first, and providing unbiased data to the community about Chicago's education system. All of their policies have this priority, "Families want a fair system that works for them, provides choices, and offers fair funding, fair access, and transparency."