Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), serves about 36,000 students in over 65 schools spread across southwest Ohio. CPS is Greater Cincinnati’s largest, and Ohio’s second largest, school district. CPS offers families high-quality educational choices and a variety of academic programs. With a focus on Academics, Behavior and Culture, CPS is committed to developing the whole child, ensuring students thrive and graduate prepared to enroll in college, enlist in the military or become gainfully employed.
General Info:
Address: 2651 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
Phone: (513) 363-0123
Website: https://www.cps-k12.org/
Q&A with Cincinnati Public Schools:
What makes CPS unique?
CPS is a district of choice, meaning no matter where families live in our district, they get the opportunity to apply to attend the school of their choice. CPS offers a variety of options for families to make the best choice for their child’s education including: magnet, montessori, advanced placement and International Baccalaureate programs.
Our high schools also each offer unique opportunities and experiences to prepare students for bright futures, including Career Technical Education and College Credit Plus courses that give CPS students the opportunity to graduate career- and college-ready.
What is CPS’s age/grade range?
CPS has schools ranging from Pre-K through grade 12. Our schools are divided into elementary (K-6) and high schools (7-12), with some combo K-12 schools.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Only a parent or legal guardian may register a child in school. CPS uses an online system to register students. Parents or legal guardians first must register a child using the online system; after all required documents are uploaded, staff will finalize the registration and enroll the child. Families can register their student in their neighborhood school, based on their home address, or apply to a lottery to attend a different school.
Magnet, High School and Out-of-Neighborhood school lotteries are open December 6 – March 10, 2023. Students whose applications are received during this time have an equal chance at attending their school of choice. Learn more about enrollment and lottery process at www.CPS-k12.org/enroll
Do you offer financial assistance?
CPS are public schools and do not require tuition to attend its schools. For additional financial assistance, our staff is knowledgeable and equipped to provide families in need with information on where to go for support and resources. Additional information is also available on our website.
What are the standard school day hours?
CPS schools have tiered hours, meaning some schools have earlier start times than others. For most up-to-date start times, visit the School Finder on the CPS Website.
Does CPS offer before/after school care? Does CPS offer after-school activities?
CPS offers many after-school programs including many athletics, arts and theater programs. After school care and activities vary by school.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does CPS offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
From traditional elementary and high school sports to e-gaming and robotics to internationally recognized theater and arts programs, CPS offers students many opportunities to explore their interests and engage in extracurricular activities across the district.
How many children attend the school? How many students are in the average classroom?
CPS follows ODE guidelines of one full-time equivalent classroom teacher for each 25 students in its core classes.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
Some CPS schools require uniforms, while others follow CPS standard dress code. Contact the school you’re interested in for more information.
Does your school offer support for students with special needs?
CPS’ Department of Student Services specializes in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the instruction and support needed to achieve. Special education and related services are offered to children ages three through 21 in public and non-public schools.
These services support the district’s mission of helping all children to succeed with support and opportunities for students to grow socially, emotionally and physically.
The department provides strong instructional support and early intervening services that assist children in reaching their highest potential by:
- *Improving academic achievement
- *Increasing access to general education
- *Strengthening support and services in all schools
- *Improving behavior and health programs
- *Improving the use of instructional technology
What are CPS’s safety policies?
The goal of the Cincinnati Public Schools’ Student Support Guide — Code of Conduct is to ensure all students’ right to an education in a safe, civil and caring environment. It is based on laws, regulations and Board policies that create access to education for all students while protecting the due process rights of the individual. CPS’ Code of Conduct provides clear guidelines for what behavior is expected from students, as seen in each building’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Plan. The Plans are a proactive approach designed to prevent behavioral problems before they occur with the goal of teaching students desired behaviors for common areas, classrooms and large group settings, by acknowledging good behavior instead of only punishing inappropriate behavior.
Who should parents contact for more information about CPS?
For more information, parents and guardians can visit www.cps-k12.org or call Customer Care at 513-363-0123.
