Academic Programs

What academic programs are offered by CPS?

Chicago Public Schools offer a variety of academic programs to refugee students entering their schools. The goal of these programs is to support students' language development in both their home language and in English.

Read below to learn more about the programs. Click the buttons in the boxes to be linked to the Chicago Public Schools' website to get more information on the programs and to find out how your child can be enrolled in the programs.

Transitional Bilingual Educational (TBE) Programs

TBE programs provide native language instruction and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to English Language Learners (ELLs). The program must provide instruction in core content areas, including Language Arts, Social Science, Science, and Math.

(Chicago Public Schools 2023)

TBE Programs

Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Programs

TPI Programs provide English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in core content areas for English Language Learners (ELLs). The programs must provide ESL instructional daily with proper modifications and accommodations to help meet the language needs of ELLs.

(Chicago Public Schools 2023)

TPI Programs

Dual Language Education (DLE) Programs

DLE programs provide both English Language Learners and native-English-speaking students with instruction in both English and another language with the goal of all students becoming bilingual and literate.

(Chicago Public Schools 2023)

DLE Programs

How does my child get enrolled in these programs?

When a student is enrolled in a Chicago Public School, they are asked to fill out a survey called the Home Language Survey. On the survey, there are two questions that say "Is a language other than English spoken in your home?" and "Does your student speak a language other than English" If you, as the parent, respond to these questions, your child will be considered for an academic program, if offered by the school your child is enrolling in.

What CPS schools have each of these programs?

Schools with 20 or more bilingual students have to provide a TBE program in the school. Schools with 19 or fewer bilingual students who speak the same home language are require to provide a TBI program in the school. DLE programs are dependent on the school and are not required to be provided by CPS.