CGCS, or the Council of the Great City Schools, is a coalition of 78 of the largest urban public school systems in the United States. As an organization, CGCS is committed to improving education for children in inner cities and helping them meet the highest standards of academic achievement. They work closely with member school districts to address the progress and challenges faced by big-city schools.

Through legislation, communications, research, and technical assistance, CGCS keeps lawmakers, the media, and the public informed about the state of urban education. CGCS also focuses on capacity building in urban education, offering programs to boost academic performance, narrow achievement gaps, enhance professional development, and strengthen leadership and management. By fostering collaboration among urban school district personnel nationwide, CGCS facilitates the sharing of concerns, solutions, and best practices to improve achievement and operations.

The organization strives to equip urban students with the skills and knowledge to compete and succeed in a rapidly-changing society