Curriculum in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) evolves systematically as students progress through each grade, ensuring skills and knowledge build in a logical sequence. Each grade introduces more complex concepts while reinforcing prior learning, preparing students for middle school and beyond.
“Curriculum changes reflect developmental readiness,” says Dr. Jessica Rivera, a Chicago-based education consultant. “Each grade focuses on expanding independence, deepening understanding, and developing critical thinking skills while maintaining strong foundations.”
Understanding how content and expectations shift helps parents support learning at home and ensures students are prepared for new challenges each year.
CPS Curriculum Progression by Grade Level: Overview
| Multi-step assignments, presentations, and portfolios | Academic Focus | Key Skills Developed | Learning Approach | Parent Support Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Basic literacy, counting, shapes, exploration | Letter recognition, number sense, observation, social skills | Play-based learning, hands-on activities | Read daily, explore numbers/shapes, encourage curiosity |
| Grade 1 | Reading, sentence writing, addition/subtraction | Phonics, early writing, simple operations | Guided practice, manipulatives, storytelling | Practice reading and writing, reinforce math skills |
| Grade 2 | Reading comprehension, two-digit math, science basics | Comprehension, multi-step thinking, measurement | Projects, collaborative tasks, hands-on experiments | Encourage reading, discuss science topics, math games |
| Grade 3 | Paragraph writing, fractions, multi-step problems | Analytical reading, reasoning, problem solving | Word problems, projects, group work | Journaling, practical math, guided research |
| Grade 4 | Structured essays, decimals, advanced math, science inquiry | Critical thinking, organization, collaboration | Experiments, applied math, discussion-based tasks | Support project planning, discuss reading/math, monitor time management |
| Grade 5 | Research projects, pre-algebra, multi-subject integration | Synthesis, analysis, independent learning | Multi-step assignments, presentations, portfolios | Encourage independent study, monitor workload, project organization |
| Middle School Prep | Subject-specific mastery, abstract thinking | Algebra readiness, problem solving, independent study | Collaborative projects, inquiry-based learning | Help plan and prioritize, discuss strategies, reinforce study habits |
Kindergarten: Foundations and Exploration
In kindergarten, the focus is on building foundational skills across literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning.
Key Components:
- Reading & Writing: Letter recognition, basic phonics, simple words
- Math: Counting, basic shapes, sorting, comparing
- Science & Social Studies: Exploration, observation, understanding daily life
- SEL: Sharing, following routines, basic cooperation
Learning Approach: Play-based, hands-on, interactive learning that encourages curiosity.
Parent Support: Read with your child daily, explore shapes and numbers in everyday life, and encourage curiosity through hands-on activities.
Grade 1: Expanding Basic Skills
First grade builds upon kindergarten foundations, with emphasis on reading, writing, and math fluency.
Key Components:
- Reading: Phonics application, simple comprehension
- Writing: Full sentences, basic punctuation
- Math: Addition and subtraction within 20, place value understanding
- SEL: Cooperation, empathy, following instructions
Learning Approach: Guided practice, manipulatives, storytelling, and short collaborative tasks.
Parent Support: Practice reading aloud, discuss sentence construction, and reinforce math skills with counting and simple problem-solving exercises.
Grade 2: Strengthening Understanding
Second grade introduces more complex problem-solving, writing, and reading comprehension, alongside early science and social studies.
Key Components:
- Reading: Paragraph-level comprehension, new vocabulary
- Writing: Short paragraphs, basic research, handwriting practice
- Math: Two-digit operations, introduction to multiplication/division, measurement
- Science & Social Studies: Observation of simple experiments, understanding communities
- SEL: Conflict resolution, teamwork
Learning Approach: Hands-on projects, collaborative tasks, applied learning.
Parent Support: Encourage reading, facilitate science exploration at home, and play math games that reinforce two-digit operations or basic multiplication.
Grade 3: Applying Skills
Grade 3 is a transition toward analytical thinking and multi-step problem solving.
Key Components:
- Reading: Comprehension of longer texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details
- Writing: Paragraph writing with clear structure
- Math: Multi-step operations, fractions, measurement, word problems
- Science & Social Studies: Observation, basic research, understanding ecosystems or local history
- SEL: Responsibility, collaboration, self-awareness
Learning Approach: Project-based tasks, group discussions, word problems, journaling.
Parent Support: Encourage independent journaling, discuss reading comprehension, and practice multi-step math problems in real-life contexts.
Grade 4: Developing Critical Thinking
Fourth grade emphasizes critical thinking, structured work, and applied learning.
Key Components:
- Reading & Writing: Analytical reading, structured essays, vocabulary expansion
- Math: Multi-digit multiplication/division, decimals, geometry concepts
- Science: Experiments, inquiry-based learning, data collection
- Social Studies: State history, civic understanding, map skills
- SEL: Goal setting, decision-making, collaboration
Learning Approach: Hands-on experiments, applied math problems, discussions, and project work.
Parent Support: Provide guidance on projects, reinforce reading strategies, discuss math applications, and monitor time management.
Grade 5: Preparing for Middle School
Fifth grade is designed to prepare students for middle school rigor, focusing on multi-subject integration and independent work.
Key Components:
- Reading & Writing: Research-based projects, analytical writing, synthesis of information
- Math: Fractions, decimals, volume, pre-algebra concepts
- Science & Social Studies: Complex experiments, cross-subject projects
- SEL: Time management, resilience, teamwork
Learning Approach: Multi-step assignments, portfolios, presentations, and independent problem-solving.
Parent Support: Encourage independent study, support project planning, and monitor workload without completing tasks for students.
Transition to Middle School
As students prepare to leave elementary school, the curriculum emphasizes subject-specific mastery and abstract thinking:
- Math: Ratios, percentages, pre-algebra readiness
- Reading & Writing: Advanced comprehension, essays, research projects
- Science & Social Studies: Complex projects, applied problem-solving, critical analysis
- SEL: Self-management, accountability, collaboration
Parent Support: Teach prioritization, planning, and study strategies, and reinforce organizational skills.
Principal Linda Chen notes, “Parents who understand how curriculum changes can better support their children and help them develop the skills needed for future academic success.”
How do Curriculum Changes Across Grades?
- Complexity Increases: Early grades focus on basic literacy and numeracy; upper grades emphasize analysis, application, and synthesis.
- Independence Grows: Students gradually move from guided practice to independent work and project-based learning.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students begin applying knowledge to multi-step problems and real-world scenarios.
- Integration Across Subjects: Upper grades connect reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in practical ways.
- Social-Emotional Growth: Curriculum increasingly incorporates goal-setting, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
Dr. Jessica Rivera states, “Curriculum progression in CPS is deliberate. Each grade builds on the previous year, increasing academic complexity while fostering independence and critical thinking.”
Impact & Implications
Understanding curriculum changes benefits:
- Students: Helps develop sequential skills, problem-solving abilities, and academic confidence
- Families: Provides clarity on expectations and strategies to support learning
- Schools: Facilitates differentiated instruction, appropriate grouping, and preparation for middle school
A progressive curriculum ensures that students are ready for the increasing challenges of higher grades while maintaining foundational skills.
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home?
- Know Grade-Level Expectations: Familiarize yourself with skills taught each year.
- Encourage Independent Work: Allow children to complete tasks with guidance rather than doing it for them.
- Connect Learning to Real Life: Use cooking, shopping, or field trips to reinforce concepts.
- Reinforce Study Habits: Teach planning, organization, and time management.
- Support SEL: Encourage teamwork, empathy, and goal-setting at home.
Dr. Emily Sanders adds, “Monitoring growth across grades ensures students remain on track academically, socially, and cognitively.”
FAQs
How does CPS curriculum change as students move up grades?
It progresses from foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades to complex problem-solving, analytical thinking, and independent work in upper grades.
What skills are emphasized in upper elementary grades?
Critical thinking, structured writing, multi-step math, science inquiry, and project-based learning.
How can parents support learning across grade levels?
By understanding grade expectations, reinforcing skills at home, and encouraging independent and applied learning.
Why is the curriculum progressively structured?
To ensure mastery of basic skills before introducing complex concepts and preparing students for middle school.
What role does SEL play in curriculum progression?
SEL supports collaboration, responsibility, resilience, and decision-making, which grow increasingly important as students advance.
