Three Chicago Schools Get Expensive STEAM Makeovers. Can the Effort Reverse Declining Enrollment? – ProPublica

Chalmers, in the historic North Lawndale neighborhood, served about 210 students last year in a building with capacity for 600. Just around the corner, about 210 students populated Johnson Elementary on a campus meant for 480. The local high school, Collins Academy, was down to 200 students. Three of every 10 Chicago schools sit at least half-empty, and closing or merging them remains a political third rail.