Chicago Public Schools (CPS) structures its curriculum to ensure students develop the essential academic, social-emotional, and critical thinking skills they need to succeed at each grade level. From kindergarten through middle school, students are guided through a sequential progression of learning that builds confidence, independence, and mastery in multiple areas.
“Understanding grade-level expectations is critical for both parents and educators,” says Dr. Jessica Rivera, a Chicago-based education consultant. “It ensures that students are on track academically, socially, and cognitively, and helps families provide targeted support at home.”
This article breaks down the core skills CPS students are expected to master at each grade level, offering guidance for parents and insights into how these skills prepare students for future academic success.
Key Grade-Level Skills in CPS: Overview
| Grade Level | Academic Skills | Social-Emotional Skills | Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving | Parent Support Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Letter recognition, counting to 20, basic shapes | Sharing, listening, following routines | Observing, asking questions, simple problem solving | Read together, encourage play-based learning, practice counting |
| Grade 1 | Phonics, simple sentence writing, addition/subtraction | Cooperation, self-regulation, empathy | Classifying, predicting outcomes | Support reading, review math worksheets, discuss daily experiences |
| Grade 2 | Reading comprehension, two-digit math, handwriting, basic research | Conflict resolution, teamwork | Making connections, drawing simple conclusions | Practice reading, explore nature, reinforce math fluency |
| Grade 3 | Paragraph writing, multi-step math, reading comprehension, science observation | Responsibility, collaboration, self-awareness | Comparing, inferring, organizing information | Encourage journaling, check homework, discuss problem-solving strategies |
| Grade 4 | Structured essays, fractions/decimals, analytical reading, science experiments | Decision-making, cooperation, goal setting | Hypothesizing, analyzing data | Provide schedule, discuss projects, reinforce study skills |
| Grade 5 | Advanced writing, decimals/fractions, research skills, multi-subject integration | Time management, resilience, teamwork | Synthesizing information, evaluating results | Support project planning, monitor workload, encourage independent study |
| Middle School | Subject-specific mastery, pre-algebra, scientific reasoning | Responsibility, self-management, collaboration | Abstract reasoning, problem solving, research | Encourage independent learning, teach organization, monitor deadlines |
Kindergarten: Foundations in Literacy, Numeracy, and Social Skills
Academic Skills:
- Recognize letters and sounds
- Count to 20 and identify basic shapes
- Begin early writing and drawing
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Sharing and turn-taking
- Listening and following directions
- Understanding emotions and empathy
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Observing and describing the environment
- Asking questions and making predictions
- Solving simple problems during play or tasks
Dr. Rivera explains, “Kindergarten focuses on curiosity, observation, and engagement. Early mastery of literacy and numeracy forms the basis for future learning.”
Parent Tip: Read aloud daily, practice counting and letter recognition, and encourage exploratory play to reinforce learning.
Grade 1: Building Literacy and Numeracy
Academic Skills:
- Apply phonics to read simple words
- Write complete sentences
- Solve basic addition and subtraction problems
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Cooperation and self-regulation
- Developing empathy and following classroom rules
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Classifying objects and ideas
- Predicting outcomes in stories or experiments
Dr. Sanders notes, “Grade 1 emphasizes consolidating foundational skills while introducing independent thinking and self-expression.”
Parent Tip: Support reading practice, discuss daily routines, and provide guidance on simple math exercises.
Grade 2: Expanding Knowledge and Independent Learning
Academic Skills:
- Reading comprehension of short texts
- Two-digit addition/subtraction, basic measurement
- Handwriting and short research activities
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Conflict resolution with peers
- Collaboration and teamwork
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Making connections between ideas
- Drawing simple conclusions from observations
Parent Tip: Encourage reading discussions, hands-on science or math activities, and writing short journals to reinforce learning.
Grade 3: Transition to Analytical Thinking
Academic Skills:
- Writing organized paragraphs
- Solving multi-step math problems
- Reading comprehension of grade-level texts
- Observing and recording science findings
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Responsibility for tasks
- Collaboration on group projects
- Self-awareness and emotion management
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Comparing information from multiple sources
- Inferring outcomes and identifying patterns
- Organizing data and drawing conclusions
Dr. Rivera explains, “Grade 3 is pivotal. Students begin thinking analytically, applying skills across subjects, and preparing for more complex tasks.”
Parent Tip: Encourage journaling, review homework, and discuss problem-solving strategies to support independent thinking.
Grade 4: Developing Independence and Analytical Skills
Academic Skills:
- Writing structured essays
- Mastery of fractions and decimals
- Analytical reading and comprehension
- Conducting simple science experiments
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Responsible decision-making
- Goal setting and perseverance
- Collaboration with peers
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Hypothesizing in science and math
- Analyzing data and outcomes
- Applying reasoning to real-world problems
Parent Tip: Provide schedules for homework, help organize projects, and encourage critical thinking through discussion.
Grade 5: Preparing for Middle School
Academic Skills:
- Advanced writing and multi-paragraph essays
- Operations with fractions and decimals
- Research skills and multi-subject integration
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Time management and accountability
- Resilience in facing challenges
- Effective teamwork
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- Evaluating results and drawing conclusions
- Planning and executing projects independently
Principal Linda Chen notes, “Grade 5 students are expected to manage larger workloads and take more ownership of their learning, preparing them for middle school.”
Parent Tip: Support project planning, encourage independent study, and monitor progress without completing tasks for the child.
Middle School Preparation
CPS builds on elementary skills in middle school to foster subject-specific mastery and independent learning:
Academic Skills:
- Pre-algebra, scientific reasoning, advanced writing
- Integration of knowledge across subjects
Social-Emotional Skills:
- Self-management and responsibility
- Conflict resolution and collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
- Abstract reasoning
- Research and analysis
- Independent problem-solving
Dr. Sanders emphasizes, “Strong skill mastery in elementary grades enables students to transition smoothly to middle school, handle increased academic rigor, and develop lifelong learning habits.”
Impact & Implications
- For Students: Builds confidence, mastery, and readiness for future academic challenges
- For Families: Provides clarity on what skills to support at home
- For Educators: Guides instruction, differentiation, and assessment
Skill mastery ensures a strong foundation for lifelong learning and promotes equity across CPS schools.
Michael Thompson notes, “Understanding grade-level expectations empowers parents to reinforce learning at home and address potential gaps early.”
How Parents Can Support Learning?
- Review grade-level expectations for each subject
- Monitor homework and project completion
- Encourage reading, writing, math, and scientific inquiry at home
- Support social-emotional skill development through conversation and role-play
- Foster independent problem-solving and critical thinking
Why Skill Mastery Matters?
Skill mastery is the foundation of academic and social success. In CPS, grade-level learning standards align with Illinois Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring consistency across classrooms. Teachers continuously assess progress to ensure students develop both foundational knowledge and higher-order thinking skills.
Michael Thompson, senior researcher at the University of Chicago Urban Education Lab, notes: “Students who master key skills at each grade level are more likely to perform well in standardized tests, stay engaged in school, and transition smoothly into middle and high school.”
Skill development encompasses not only academics but also social-emotional learning (SEL), critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. CPS integrates these elements to provide a holistic learning experience.
FAQs
What core skills are expected in CPS elementary grades?
Literacy, numeracy, scientific inquiry, social studies understanding, and social-emotional competencies.
How do skills progress by grade?
Skills build sequentially from foundational knowledge in kindergarten to independent, analytical thinking by grade 5.
How can parents help their child master skills?
Through practice, discussion, homework support, and encouraging independence.
Why are social-emotional skills included?
SEL is critical for collaboration, self-management, and navigating classroom and social environments.
How does CPS prepare students for middle school?
By ensuring mastery of academic, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills at each grade level.
