The Great Chicago High School Census: A Statistical Odyssey (with Occasional Jokes)
Ah, Chicago! City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and... a truly perplexing number of high schools? You might be wondering, as you dodge a rogue tumbleweed on Michigan Avenue (because, let's face it, Chicago winds are no joke), just how many high schools are there in this sprawling metropolis? Buckle up, history buffs and trivia nerds, because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the ever-shifting sands of Chicago's high school landscape.
So, How Many High Schools Are We Talking About Here?
The short answer: It depends on when you asked the question. Chicago's educational scene is more dynamic than a Michael Jordan highlight reel.
The slightly-less-short answer: As of the 2020-2021 school year, the Chicago Public School system (CPS) boasted a cool 162 high schools. That's a lot of teenage angst, a whole lotta lockers to cram textbooks into, and enough cafeteria pizza to fuel a small army (though, let's be honest, Chicago deep dish is a different beast entirely).
But wait, there's more! CPS isn't the only game in town. There are also charter schools, private institutions, and that one suspicious-looking building with a revolving door labeled "Academy of Very Specific Life Skills" (we're not judging, Chicago, you do you).
A Blast from the Educational Past: High School History 101 (Cliff's Notes Version)
Who knew counting high schools could be such a historical adventure? Here's a whistle-stop tour of Chicago's educational evolution:
- The Early Days (pre-1872): Back in the Wild West days of Chicago (yes, there was a Wild West phase, ask your grandparents), high schools were about as common as a decent cup of coffee (which is to say, practically nonexistent).
- The Great School Boom (1870s-1900s): As Chicago boomed, so did its educational ambitions. New high schools popped up like mushrooms after a particularly damp spring.
- The Great Consolidation (20th & 21st Centuries): Fast forward a century, and things get a little more complex. Budget cuts, changing demographics, and the ever-present question of "what is the best way to educate teenagers who would rather be staring at TikTok?" all played a role in the ebb and flow of Chicago's high school numbers.
So, What Does the Future Hold for Chicago High Schools?
Will there be a robot uprising in the classrooms? Will every student be issued a jetpack for a quicker commute? Only time will tell! But one thing's for sure: Chicago's educational landscape will continue to evolve, and with it, the ever-fascinating question of just how many high schools this dynamic city actually holds.
