Hours, drop-off, absences, meals, supplies, after school, closures and fees — the everyday stuff.
What time does school start and end?
School runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The earliest drop-off is 7:15 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:30 p.m.
Where each grade lines up, and pickup rules for PreK, are not published online — call the office and we will add them here.
How do I report an absence?
Three official ways: the E-Absence form in Aspen, a call to the office at (773) 534-5790, or a signed note.
Aspen is the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) parent portal: grades, assignments, attendance and alerts. You cannot sign up on your own — call the clerk at (773) 534-5790 and ask for the Aspen signup email.
→ How to report an absence (English and Spanish)
→ Aspen
What if my child is sick, or needs medicine at school?
Keep a sick child home and report the absence. If your child needs medication during the school day, the school needs a CPS medication form signed by the doctor and by you — ask the office for the current form.
What’s for breakfast and lunch?
Breakfast and lunch are free for every student, every day. Meals are pork-free, with a vegetarian option daily. PreK also gets a snack.
→ This week’s breakfast, lunch and snacks
What supplies does my child need?
Every student, including PreK, brings supplies. The list is in English and Spanish.
Is there care after school?
Yes, until 5 p.m.: Metro YMCA for PreK and Right At School for K–8. Tuition support is available. Courtenay also runs free enrichment classes — see Sports & clubs.
How will I know if school is closed?
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) decides weather closures for the whole district and announces them by email, text and phone call, on cps.edu, and on its social media. Keep your phone number and email current with the office so the alerts reach you. Planned days off are on the school calendar.
Are there fees, and how do I pay?
Meals are free. If the school asks for a fee — a field trip, for example — you can pay online.
Still stuck? Call the office: (773) 534-5790.
verified september 2026