As waiting lists for charter schools swell to more than 19,000 applicants, thousands of parents and students attend 5th Annual New Schools EXPO, a National School Choice Week event
In a show of demand for quality schools, thousands of Chicago parents and students attended the 5th Annual New Schools EXPO today to explore more than 100 of Chicago's best new schools, including charter schools. The event coincided with National School Choice Week.
Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard joined the event, which was hosted by New Schools for Chicago in partnership with CPS. Although CPS approved 12 new charter schools last month, the demand continues to grow exponentially, with more than 19,000 applicants on charter school waiting lists.
"There has been remarkable growth in both support and demand for charter schools in Chicago because these schools have a proven track record of getting kids to college," said Phyllis Lockett, president and CEO of New Schools for Chicago. "While we are encouraged that so many people joined us today, we must remember that their presence proves that too many communities still lack quality options. We all need to work together to change that reality."
Representatives from more than 100 schools were on hand to provide information, answer questions and help parents apply on the spot.
"I came to the EXPO to find a great school for my children. As a parent, it is my top priority to ensure that my children receive a quality education," said Jeanette Holcomb, who lives in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. "All public schools should be like this. But until these options are available in every community, charters provide an excellent choice for underserved children to receive a quality education."
Charter schools are tuition-free, public schools that provide quality education to neighborhood students in some of Chicago's most underserved communities. On average, charter schools outperform similar schools. For example, about 80 percent of charter freshman graduate and 70 percent of graduates enroll in college.
For more information about other National School Choice Week events across the country, visit www.SchoolChoiceWeek.com.
Contacts:
National School Choice Week
Andrew Campanella, 202-276-1303
media@schoolchoiceweek.com