CHICAGO –This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson will join CPS Superintendent & CEO Dr. Macqueline King to celebrate the beginning of the 2026-27 school year with visits to schools across Chicago.
Throughout the week, the Mayor will connect with students, families and educators while highlighting the City’s commitment to supporting safe, welcoming and engaging school environments for young people acrossthe city.
“Every Chicago student deserves to know they are welcomed and supported as they get ready to learn,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “When our young people are encouraged to participate fully in their education and extra-curricular experience, they are better positioned to reach their full potential.
As students return to classrooms across our city, my administration will continue investing in the people and partnerships that help our young people succeed while ensuring every student has the opportunity to build a bright future right here in Chicago.”
Throughout the week, Mayor Johnson will join school officials, City representatives, Safe Passage workers, Chicago Principles & Administrators Association, Chicago Teachers Union and Service Employee International Union leadership, students and families at schools on the West and South Sides to highlight the importance of strong school communities and a safe, supportive start to the academic year.
“The first day of school opens the door to new possibilities for every student,” saidCPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “We warmly welcome students and families to schools where we hope Chicago's children find joy in learning, feel a true sense of belonging, and build meaningful connections with their teachers and classmates.
As students begin the year with curiosity and confidence, we are honored to have the opportunity and the responsibility to nurture the interests, skills, and sense of possibility that will inspire lifelong learning and help every child pursue a bright future.”
The full schedule of the Mayor's back to school visits include:
George Leland Elementary
Monday, August 24 | 7:30 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. | 512 S Lavergne Ave
Mayor Johnson will walk the Safe Passage route with parents and students, CEO King, and labor partners, participate in a press conference, and ring the opening bell.
Mayor Johnson & CEO King will be available for limited Q&A.
Roswell B. Mason Elementary
Monday, August 24 | 8:15 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | 1830 S Keeler Ave.
Mayor Johnson and CEO King will provide students and teachers with words of encouragement via the morning announcements PA system, participate in a student “spirit tunnel,” and greet school staff.
Madero Middle School
Monday, August 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | 3202 W 28th St.
Mayor Johnson and CEO King will provide remarks and engage with students, faculty, and staff.
Centers for New Horizons
Tuesday, August 25 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | 13107 S Ingleside Ave.
Mayor Johnson and CEO King will welcome children and families during morning arrival, visit an infant/toddler learning space, participate in a developmental morning activity, and thank early childhood educators for the role they play in educational development.
Dubois Elementary School
Tuesday, August 25 | 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | 330 E 133rd St.
Mayor Johnson and CEO King will welcome preschoolers and their families during morning arrival and join parents and caregivers for coffee.
Senn High School
Wednesday, August 26| 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. |5900 N Glenwood Ave.
Mayor Johnson, CEO King, and First Deputy Commissioner Abel Ochoa will take a tour led by student ambassadors, observe a student performance and arts presentation, and deliver remarks on the importance of arts education.
Lake View High School
Wednesday, August 26| 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | 4015 N Ashland Ave.
Mayor Johnson and CEO King will join a student Pep Rally and provide words of encouragement.
Curie Metro High School
Thursday, August 27| 12:10 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. | 4959 S Archer Ave.
Mayor Johnson and CEO King will join students during their lunch period.
Mayor Johnson’s visits highlight the district’sShow Up. Belong.
Engage.initiative, which emphasizes consistent attendance, a strong sense of connection to school communities, and active participation in the classroom.
Showing up means attending school every day ready to learn.
Belonging means ensuring every student knows they are valued, supported, and an essential member of their school community.
Engaging means participating in the classroom, asking questions, building relationships, seeking help, and developing the confidence to use their voice.
These priorities help create the foundation for a successful school year and ensure CPS students have the support, resources, and learning environments they need to succeed.