School is back in session for Chicago Public Schools students today, which is why we’re sharing some reminders for Chicago students and their families.
Get Your Student Transit Pass
CTA, Metra, and Pace are free for students today for the first day of school. But students can ride for discounted prices the rest of the year.
- 🚏 CTA: Students ages 7-20 can ride buses and trains for 75 cents from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on school days with a student Ventra card.
- 🚌 Pace: If your high school or elementary school student has a student Ventra card, they can ride Pace for $1. Otherwise, it’s $1.10. Frequent riders can purchase a 30-day reduced fare pass for $30.
- 🚆 Metra: Reduced rides are available for high school and elementary students if they present a valid school ID.
Don’t Forget About School Speed Limits
This one is for all drivers: Remember to go 20 mph near safety zones on school days when children are present between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. If kids aren’t present, go 30 mph between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Remember, the speed cameras are watching 👀
Chicago students at a salad bar in their school’s lunchroom. (Tim Boyle / Getty)
What’s on the Menu?
CPS students can eat breakfast and lunch for free every day. Check here to see upcoming menus at your school — including some possible new additions like jollof rice and a blueberry crisp. Additional items like milk or extra fruit cost a little more.
Check Your School’s Phone Policy
Illinois does not ban cellphones in class like in nearby Indiana, and CPS defers to individual schools on phone policies. Senn High School in Edgewater has zones where students can and cannot use phones. Hyde Park Academy has previously had cell phone lockers for students to store their devices.
