The Great Chicago High School Census: Counting Schools Without Getting Detention
Hey there, fellow data enthusiasts (or maybe you're just nosy like me). Today we're diving headfirst into the thrilling world of...Chicago Public High Schools! Buckle up, buttercup, because this is one wild ride (well, as wild as school administration allows).
So, how many schools are we talking about anyway?
According to the official Chicago Public Schools report card (because apparently, school districts get report cards now?), for the 2020-2021 school year, there were a whopping 162 high schools. That's a lot of teenagers, a lot of lockers, and a whole lotta pizza (deep dish, obviously, this is Chicago).
But wait, there's more! Chicago Public Schools (CPS) isn't the only game in town. The city also boasts a vibrant selection of charter schools, which are basically public schools with a side of independence (and maybe slightly cooler mascots?). No official numbers on how many charters there are with a high school program, but let's just say it's enough to make your head spin like a confused freshman on picture day.
But hey, gotta catch 'em all, right?
So, if you're the kind of person who enjoys a good spreadsheet (or maybe a meticulously color-coded map, because who doesn't love a good map?), and you want the absolute, definitive number of public high schools in Chicago, well...you're probably going to need a bigger spreadsheet (and maybe a stronger cup of coffee). The reason? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind (or more accurately, lost in the bureaucratic labyrinth).
Here's the thing: keeping track of schools is apparently harder than keeping track of gym socks that mysteriously disappear after laundry day. School closures, mergers, and the ever-expanding charter school scene make pinning down an exact number a tricky feat.
But fear not, intrepid data adventurer! Here are some handy resources to help you on your quest:
- The CPS Website: It's a good starting point, but be prepared for some serious "official jargon" that might make your brain hurt.
- Local News Articles: They love a good school story (especially if it involves a rogue squirrel causing a cafeteria lockdown...true story, by the way).
- Ask a Chicago Teenager: They might not know all the details, but they can definitely tell you which schools have the best pizza and which ones to avoid during dodgeball (trust me, dodgeball politics are brutal).
The Final Tally: It's a lot.
So, the exact number of public high schools in Chicago? It's a mystery shrouded in enrollment forms and school lunch menus. But hey, that's half the fun, right? Consider this your official excuse to explore the wonderful world of Chicago's public high schools. Just remember, detention is a real thing, so maybe avoid asking the principal about the mascot's questionable fashion choices.
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