Chicago district will take over operation of charter high school for the arts

The Chicago school board has voted to take over operation of one charter school and provide funds that will enable another charter school to complete the 2025-26 academic year.

CBS News Chicago reports that the board's action means the Chicago High School for the Arts charter school—ChiArts for short—will remain open and transition to a district-managed school effective July 1, 2026. It serves 600 students from grades 9 through 12.

The board also approved $1.4 million for the EPIC Academy charter high school so it can continue operating for the rest of the 2025-26 school year. The school will close permanently in June.

The operator of the ChiArts announced last month that it would not renew its contract with Chicago Public Schools because of significant financial troubles.

Enrollment at the school under district management will operate the same way as other district high schools that accept students from around the city. Student admissions will follow the policies for magnet and selective enrollment schools.

EPIC Academy's leaders said the decision to cease operations at their school was because of declining enrollment, rising costs and chronic underfunding of charter schools.