CPFTA FAQs

Currently, there is no cost for Chicago high school students who participate in CPFTA. However, students who misplace and/or lose their instructional materials, uniforms, etc., must pay to replace any items issued to them. 

Class is held two days a week: Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. CPFTA follows the CPS school year academic calendar with a few exceptions. A yearly CPFTA calendar will be shared online with cadets at the beginning of each school year.

For Junior Cadets, classes 1st (Fall) Semester are held at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy and 2nd (Spring) Semester classes are held at the Chicago Police Education and Training Academy. For Senior Cadets, classes 1st (Fall) Semester are held at the Chicago Police Education and Training Academy and 2nd (Spring) Semester classes are held at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy.

Yes. CPFTA credit can be used toward your Career Education requirement or as an elective to graduate.

All junior cadets have the opportunity to participate in the paid summer internship program through the Youth Ready Chicago summer jobs program. Please visit onesummerchicago.org for more information. Cadets participate in the summer internship between their junior and senior year of the program.

The Application for students interested in joining the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Program is now closed. The application for the class of 2027 will open on January 1, 2025. CPFTA will hold information sessions during the winter and spring of 2025. Along with CPS representatives, Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department personnel will be present at the sessions to help answer any questions. A list of dates and times will be posted in January 2025.

If you have further questions, please contact Carolyn Jourdan at CPFTA@cps.edu.