The Chicago Public Schools system is reporting a 4,400 drop in enrollment over the last year. The district's new figures state that student enrollment on the 20th day of school was at 392,285, falling below 400,000 for the first time in over 20 years. According to CPS figures, schools on the South and West sides of Chicago have seen the largest declines in student population.

The report also states that district-run schools are seeing the greatest drop in enrollment, while privately-run charter or contract schools are seeing increases in their student population. Independently-run schools make up 16  percent of the student population in CPS, which is a 3 percent increase from last year. The Noble Network of Charter Schools saw the greatest growth in student population of all private-run networks, gaining 1,200 students since last year. The network has five of the 10 fastest growing charter schools in the district. The Chicago Board of Education is scheduled to vote on new charter school proposals at their next meeting on Wednesday.