Your Rights

🔵 Be involved and informed

You have the right to be involved in your child’s education, be treated fairly and respectfully, access Board policies, and receive information about your child’s progress.

→ CPS — Parent and guardian rights

🟠 If your child is disciplined

The school must promptly tell you and explain the consequence. You can ask the principal to review it and appeal disciplinary action.

→ CPS — Student Code of Conduct

🟣 Directory information and privacy

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) may share directory information such as your child’s name, address, and phone number. To opt out, ask the school clerk for the annual opt-out form and return it by December 1.

→ CPS — Directory information policy

🟢 Immigration status

Every child has the right to a free public education regardless of their or their family’s immigration status. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) does not ask families about their status.

Todos los niños tienen derecho a una educación pública gratuita, sin importar su estatus migratorio ni el de su familia. Las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS) no preguntan a las familias sobre su estatus.

→ CPS — Immigration resources

🟡 If your family loses housing

Students experiencing housing instability can enroll immediately without the usual documents. They may attend their neighborhood school or remain at their previous school, with transportation when eligible.

→ CPS — Students in Temporary Living Situations

🔴 Report bullying

Report bullying or retaliation to the principal or any Chicago Public Schools (CPS) employee. The principal also accepts anonymous reports.

→ CPS — Bullying and bias-based behavior policy

More information

• Illinois Legal Aid — student rights in plain language
• Raise Your Hand — CPS bullying toolkit
• Equip for Equality — special-education help
• CPS FACE — family support
• CCH Law Project — free legal help