(WTTW News)

Chicago Public Schools says it will spend $7.5 million to expand high-quality academic programming for 4,000 elementary students at a handful of schools across the city.

The district on Friday said the investment will support staffing, training and learning resources for International Baccalaureate, STEM/STEAM, fine and performing arts, and dual language programs at seven elementary schools over the next six years.

“The challenges presented in the past year have made it even more important to continue investing in our neighborhood schools,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement. “We are excited for this diverse group of schools to receive additional programmatic resources, which will expand high-quality learning opportunities for thousands of students.”

CPS received applications from district schools and reviewed their programmatic needs, interviewed school staff and reviewed letters of support from community stakeholders and Local School Councils (LSCs), before choosing seven schools to receive new programs. The schools receiving programs are:

—Bright Elementary (Fine & Performing Arts)

—Nathan Davis Elementary (Dual Language)

—Hernandez Middle School (STEM)

—Kilmer Elementary (International Baccalaureate)

—Nash Elementary (Fine & Performing Arts)

—Ruggles Elementary (STEAM)

—West Park Elementary (STEAM)

According to the district, these programs will benefit a student population that’s approximately 89% low-income and predominantly students of color (29% Black and 64% Latino).

“Despite the challenges around the pandemic, I am proud to expand our programmatic offerings to some of our highest needs neighborhoods,” CPS Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade said in a statement. “As a district, we are committed to investing in schools in every neighborhood to ensure that students in all parts of our great city have the support they need to become the great thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.”

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431