Chalkbeat
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Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news network covering schools and education policy across the U.S. Follow our education journalism at chalkbeat.org. Have a news tip? Here's how you can reach us: ckbe.at/contact-chalkbeat or email us at [email protected]
Through years of steady pre-COVID enrollment losses in Chicago Public Schools, one thing stayed consistent: Roughly 75% of school-aged children in the city attended the district. In recent years, though, that “market share” has slipped: ckbe.at/3NDkEYj
January 25, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Through years of steady pre-COVID enrollment losses in Chicago Public Schools, one thing stayed consistent: Roughly 75% of school-aged children in the city attended the district. In recent years, though, that “market share” has slipped: ckbe.at/3NDkEYj
Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed to extend mayoral control of NYC's public school system, boost funding for public schools across the state, and pay for child care for 2-year-olds in the five boroughs — a major campaign promise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Read more: ckbe.at/4qzTLD5
January 25, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed to extend mayoral control of NYC's public school system, boost funding for public schools across the state, and pay for child care for 2-year-olds in the five boroughs — a major campaign promise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Read more: ckbe.at/4qzTLD5
Even under difficult circumstances, Denver's Abraham Lincoln High School made academic progress. Here's how: ckbe.at/3M39cVl
January 24, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Even under difficult circumstances, Denver's Abraham Lincoln High School made academic progress. Here's how: ckbe.at/3M39cVl
Indianapolis Public Schools experienced its greatest annual enrollment decline since the pandemic while charter school enrollment also dropped — trends that could signal fundamental challenges for both school types.
The latest enrollment figures represent a challenge for both IPS and charter schools
IPS experienced its greatest enrollment decline since the pandemic at over 1,200 students. Charters experienced their greatest year-over-year drop in at least seven years of over 600 students.
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Indianapolis Public Schools experienced its greatest annual enrollment decline since the pandemic while charter school enrollment also dropped — trends that could signal fundamental challenges for both school types.
Tennessee Republicans are pushing forward their plans to take over Memphis-Shelby County Schools — and they’re using the recent overhaul of Houston’s public school district as a model.
What would a Houston-style takeover mean for Memphis schools?
State Republicans want to see Memphis schools improve like Houston’s did post-state takeover. But Texas doesn’t measure school progress the Tennessee way.
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Tennessee Republicans are pushing forward their plans to take over Memphis-Shelby County Schools — and they’re using the recent overhaul of Houston’s public school district as a model.
In a social media post Saturday, the district said leaders will continue to monitor weather conditions this weekend to see if additional cancellations are needed.
Memphis schools cancel Monday classes due to weekend storm
In a social media post Saturday, the district said leaders will continue to monitor weather conditions this weekend to see if additional cancellations are needed.
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 6:25 PM
In a social media post Saturday, the district said leaders will continue to monitor weather conditions this weekend to see if additional cancellations are needed.
With no room in the school calendar for a traditional snow day, schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels confirmed that the nation’s largest school system would go virtual in the event of a big storm — despite lobbying from his 11th grade son. ckbe.at/3ZgKYu1
January 24, 2026 at 6:15 PM
With no room in the school calendar for a traditional snow day, schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels confirmed that the nation’s largest school system would go virtual in the event of a big storm — despite lobbying from his 11th grade son. ckbe.at/3ZgKYu1
Nearly 5,000 Philadelphia students would have their schools closed in the coming years, based on this year’s enrollment counts. Another 2,800 students would have their schools moved to a new location. Find the changes to your school under the district's facility closure plans: ckbe.at/3YWjiKI
January 24, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Nearly 5,000 Philadelphia students would have their schools closed in the coming years, based on this year’s enrollment counts. Another 2,800 students would have their schools moved to a new location. Find the changes to your school under the district's facility closure plans: ckbe.at/3YWjiKI
The family of Luis Garcia, a 16-year-old student who was shot and killed outside East, agreed to drop its appeal of a wrongful death lawsuit against Denver Public Schools, court documents show.
Appeal dismissed in wrongful death lawsuit over fatal shooting outside East High
The family of Luis Garcia, a 16-year-old student who was shot and killed outside East, agreed to drop its appeal of a wrongful death lawsuit against Denver Public Schools, court documents show.
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 12:25 AM
The family of Luis Garcia, a 16-year-old student who was shot and killed outside East, agreed to drop its appeal of a wrongful death lawsuit against Denver Public Schools, court documents show.
Philly students are getting a snow day Monday as the city preps for a major snowstorm. If bad weather persists past Monday, learning will go remote.
Philly kids are getting a snow day Monday
Philly students are getting a snow day Monday as the city preps for a major snowstorm. If bad weather persists past Monday, learning will go remote.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Philly students are getting a snow day Monday as the city preps for a major snowstorm. If bad weather persists past Monday, learning will go remote.
Superintendent Alex Marrero had originally recommended that the board vote no.
Denver school board approves expanding Monarch Montessori dual language charter school
Superintendent Alex Marrero had originally recommended that the board vote no.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Superintendent Alex Marrero had originally recommended that the board vote no.
Mayor Mamdani confirmed that Monday will either be in-person or remote learning for students rather than a traditional snow day. The decision will come by noon on Sunday.
Swapping snow balls for Zoom links: Mamdani says Monday classes will be in-person or remote
Mayor Mamdani confirmed that Monday will either be in-person or remote learning for students rather than a traditional snow day. The decision will come by noon on Sunday.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Mayor Mamdani confirmed that Monday will either be in-person or remote learning for students rather than a traditional snow day. The decision will come by noon on Sunday.
They’re pushing a ballot measure to privatize Pinnacol Assurance, a quasi-governmental insurance provider. Pinnacol leaders have wanted to separate fully from the state to sell insurance in other states.
How a group of Colorado business leaders proposes to fund workforce training
They’re pushing a ballot measure to privatize Pinnacol Assurance, a quasi-governmental insurance provider. Pinnacol leaders have wanted to separate fully from the state to sell insurance in other states.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 12:26 AM
They’re pushing a ballot measure to privatize Pinnacol Assurance, a quasi-governmental insurance provider. Pinnacol leaders have wanted to separate fully from the state to sell insurance in other states.
The MSCS board rejected a contract with ABM Industries twice, leaving the schools without cleaning services through January. Parents say conditions are “deplorable.”
Memphis board approves custodial contract after parents ask for cleaner schools
The MSCS board rejected a contract with ABM Industries twice, leaving the schools without cleaning services through January. Parents say conditions are “deplorable.”
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 11:45 PM
The MSCS board rejected a contract with ABM Industries twice, leaving the schools without cleaning services through January. Parents say conditions are “deplorable.”
One influential Philadelphia Councilmember has already strongly opposed the district’s plan to close 20 schools, which school leaders announced Thursday. Students and families are worried too.
Is Philadelphia’s plan to close schools ‘going to be a mess’? Students and families react.
One influential Philadelphia Councilmember has already strongly opposed the district’s plan to close 20 schools, which school leaders announced Thursday. Students and families are worried too.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 11:02 PM
One influential Philadelphia Councilmember has already strongly opposed the district’s plan to close 20 schools, which school leaders announced Thursday. Students and families are worried too.
Gender and sexuality alliances once led the charge for queer student activism. The Bell's student reporter Mher Melikyan says it’s time for GSAs to rebrand and reclaim that power.
Power in pride: A Brooklyn student wants to reclaim queer activism in NYC schools
Gender and sexuality alliances once led the charge for queer student activism. The Bell's student reporter Mher Melikyan says it’s time for GSAs to rebrand and reclaim that power.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Gender and sexuality alliances once led the charge for queer student activism. The Bell's student reporter Mher Melikyan says it’s time for GSAs to rebrand and reclaim that power.
The test is an alternative to the SAT and ACT that bases its questions on “texts that have had a lasting influence on Western culture and society.”
Indiana lawmakers move to expand the use of the Classic Learning Test for college admission
The test is an alternative to the SAT and ACT that bases its questions on “texts that have had a lasting influence on Western culture and society.”
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 9:10 PM
The test is an alternative to the SAT and ACT that bases its questions on “texts that have had a lasting influence on Western culture and society.”
All schools will be closed and extracurricular activities will be canceled Friday.
Chicago Public Schools closed Friday amid extreme cold
All schools will be closed and extracurricular activities will be canceled Friday.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 7:43 PM
All schools will be closed and extracurricular activities will be canceled Friday.
The lawsuit alleges The Nest leaders and employees placed the children in dangerous conditions and failed to monitor the classroom even though children routinely screamed and cried.
Colorado families sue private equity-backed child care chain over abuse by teacher
The lawsuit alleges The Nest leaders and employees placed the children in dangerous conditions and failed to monitor the classroom even though children routinely screamed and cried.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 7:06 PM
The lawsuit alleges The Nest leaders and employees placed the children in dangerous conditions and failed to monitor the classroom even though children routinely screamed and cried.
All schools will be closed and extracurricular activities will be canceled Friday.
Chicago Public Schools closed Friday amid extreme cold
All schools will be closed and extracurricular activities will be canceled Friday.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 6:40 PM
All schools will be closed and extracurricular activities will be canceled Friday.
Scroll down the article to use our lookup table to see the changes to your school under the district's facility closure plans. ⬇️
Philadelphia school district proposes closing 20 schools, affecting dozens more
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Scroll down the article to use our lookup table to see the changes to your school under the district's facility closure plans. ⬇️
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
Philadelphia school district proposes closing 20 schools, affecting dozens more
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
Philadelphia school district proposes closing 20 schools, affecting dozens more
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Some Philadelphia schools would close entirely, while others would co-locate with other schools. In total, more than 70 schools would be affected by the changes. See the full list.
Democrats need to embrace reform-minded education policies and pivot away from race and gender issues, the former Chicago mayor says.
Can Rahm Emanuel fix schools and the Democratic Party in one fell swoop?
Democrats need to embrace reform-minded education policies and pivot away from race and gender issues, the former Chicago mayor says.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Democrats need to embrace reform-minded education policies and pivot away from race and gender issues, the former Chicago mayor says.
State Republicans want to see Memphis schools improve like Houston’s did post-state takeover. But Texas doesn’t measure school progress the Tennessee way.
What would a Houston-style takeover mean for Memphis schools?
State Republicans want to see Memphis schools improve like Houston’s did post-state takeover. But Texas doesn’t measure school progress the Tennessee way.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 1:05 PM
State Republicans want to see Memphis schools improve like Houston’s did post-state takeover. But Texas doesn’t measure school progress the Tennessee way.