The protest was organized by several community groups.
The organizers say the city has ignored their ideas for improving schools and is turning over public education at some schools to profit-driven school management companies.
"Chicago Public Schools is getting out of the neighborhood school business, and they're brokering the responsibility of public education to private operators," said Jitu Brown, Kenwood Oakland Community Organization.
School officials say they want input from the community on boosting student achievement, but they can no longer accept the status quo when it is not working.
