Elementary School Promotion Policy
CPS makes elementary school promotion decisions during the second week of June for students in grades 2, 5, and 8. Promotion status is based on student academic performance as reflected by the final reading (2, 5, & 8th grade), math (5 & 8th grade only), science (5 & 8th grade only), and social science (5 & 8th grade only) report card grades.
Students who do not meet promotion criteria will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete Summer Bridge in order to be promoted to the next grade.
Students who will be 15 years old on or before September 1 of the following school year, and who do not meet eighth grade promotion criteria in June, will be required to attend Summer Acceleration. They will enter ninth grade in the fall.
All elementary school students must pass The Constitution of the United States of America and The Constitution of the State of Illinois exams to receive an eighth grade diploma.
For a detailed description of promotion criteria and applicable summer school requirement(s), please see the School/Parent Guide to the Elementary School Promotion Policy. Information regarding students with disabilities and English Learners (ELs) is provided on page 2 of the Guide.
School/Parent Guide to Elementary Promotion Policy
Help Your Student Meet Elementary School Promotion Criteria
- Monitor your student's academic progress throughout the school year
- Review homework assignments
- Ask to see quizzes and tests
- Communicate with your student's school counselor and teacher
High School Promotion Policy
High school students must successfully complete a minimum number of credits before they can be promoted to the next grade level and graduate.
Under the CPS High School Promotion Policy, students must pass a series of challenging courses in the core subjects of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, as well as courses in other subjects that are aligned with educational standards. This promotion policy requires that students demonstrate genuine academic achievement and a commitment to learning in order to make progress toward earning their high school diplomas.
Ninth grade promotion: To be promoted from ninth to 10th grade, students must pass at least three of their core subject courses during both semesters and must have successfully completed a minimum of 5 units of credit.
10th grade promotion: To be promoted from 10th to 11th grade, students must pass at least three of their core subject courses during both semesters and must have successfully completed a minimum of 11 units of credit. All 10th grade students must have completed at least one service learning project in order to be promoted to the 11th grade.
11th grade promotion: To be promoted from 11th to 12th grade, students must have successfully completed a minimum of 17 units of credit and must participate in the state-mandated college and career ready determination exam.
Graduation (from 12th grade): To graduate from 12th grade, students must complete all graduation requirements.
High School Graduation Requirements
CPS’ graduation requirements were written with the intention of preparing our students for success in a variety of experiences after high school.
Credit Recovery
CPS offers programs and supports to help high school students get back on track if they have less credits than they should have at any given point in their high school career.