EXPLORE CPS HIGH SCHOOLS

CPS offers many different high school options. Students may attend their assigned neighborhood program or apply through GoCPS to Choice and Selective Enrollment programs throughout the city.

 

Every Chicago student has an assigned neighborhood high school based on their home address. Students are guaranteed a seat in their neighborhood general education program and do not need to submit a GoCPS application to attend it.

Students who want to attend a general education program outside of their assigned neighborhood school must apply through GoCPS. Some neighborhood high schools also offer specialized programs, such as IB or CTE, that require a separate GoCPS application.

 

Choice programs allow students to apply to high schools and specialized programs outside of their neighborhood option.

Choice programs include a wide range of academic areas and school models. Depending on the program, students may be selected through a computerized lottery or a points-based process. Eligibility and selection requirements vary by program.

 

Selective Enrollment High Schools provide academically advanced students with a rigorous college-preparatory experience.

Students must apply through GoCPS and take the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT). Admission is competitive and is based on a points system using the student’s final 7th-grade grades and HSAT results.

Students may apply to up to six Selective Enrollment programs and rank them in their true order of preference.

 

Magnet schools and programs offer specialized academic themes or areas of study.

Some magnet high schools do not have neighborhood attendance boundaries, while magnet programs may also be located within neighborhood high schools. Admissions requirements and selection methods vary, so families should review the individual program’s GoCPS profile before applying.

 

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently under authorization from the Chicago Board of Education and have flexibility in a number of areas of school operation.

Participating charter high schools are included in the GoCPS application process. Families should review each school’s program information and admissions requirements when considering a charter option.

 

Service Leadership Academies are four-year high schools that combine college and career preparation with leadership development and co-curricular opportunities.

Although these schools use structured environments and military-inspired leadership models, their purpose is not to prepare students for military service. A GoCPS application is required.

 

International Baccalaureate programs provide academically challenging learning experiences that emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, global awareness, and intercultural understanding.

IB opportunities are available at a number of CPS high schools. Students should review each school’s GoCPS profile because eligibility and selection requirements can vary by program.

 

Career and Technical Education programs combine academic coursework with hands-on learning in specific career and industry areas.

Depending on the program, students may have opportunities to earn industry certifications or college credit and participate in experiences such as internships and job shadowing.

A GoCPS application is required for CTE programs.