School Closing Policy
About the Intervention
Between 2001 and 2006, Chicago Public Schools closed 18 elementary schools for either underutilization (low enrollment relative to capacity) or chronic underperformance (low academic achievement). The policy required displaced students to transfer to new schools, with CPS designating nearby receiving schools with redrawn attendance boundaries. Students could also apply to any CPS school with available seats. The intervention affected 5,445 students in kindergarten through eighth grade who had to leave their schools and enroll elsewhere. Most designated receiving schools were in close proximity to closing schools, though families were informed they could apply to higher-performing schools across the district. The policy aimed to improve educational outcomes by moving students from failing schools to academically stronger environments and to reduce costs by closing underutilized buildings.
Statistical Findings
Negative effect on reading achievement during announcement year
Negative effect on math achievement during announcement year
No effect on reading achievement one year after closing
No effect on math achievement one year after closing
No effect on reading achievement two years after closing
No effect on math achievement two years after closing
No effect on reading achievement three years after closing
No effect on math achievement three years after closing
Negative effect on Summer Bridge enrollment
Positive effect on school mobility during academic year
Positive effect on school mobility during summer
No effect on retention rates
No effect on special education referrals
No effect on high school on-track rates
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
N/ADelivery Methods
N/ADisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Schoolwide Policy, DistrictwideSource
Julia, G. & Marisa, d. l. T. (2009). When Schools Close: Effects on Displaced Students in Chicago Public Schools. Research Report (ED510792). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED510792.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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