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Apply to Elementary Schools

Whether you’re already a CPS family or new to the District, we’re glad you’re considering applying to GoCPS elementary school programs. Make sure to check out the Explore section before beginning a GoCPS application, have your list of programs ready, and know this year’s application deadline.

Application Checklist

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    Log In or Create Your GoCPS Account

    Once the GoCPS application cycle opens, log in to access your GoCPS account or sign up to create a new account. To create an account you’ll need the student applicant's name and date of birth, and a CPS ID number.

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    Apply to Your Program Choices

    Add your programs selections for selective enrollment and/or choice programs. If you have a  priority preference, make sure you check the box — many families miss this step. If you are a non-CPS applicant, you will need to upload a copy of the student's official transcript.

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    Mark Important Dates on Your Calendar

    Applications for all district-managed GoCPS elementary school programs can be submitted during the fall GoCPS application window or after the rolling waitlist opens. The dates change yearly, so be sure to confirm deadlines for the current application cycle.

Apply to Schools & Programs

To apply, log in to your GoCPS account.

Log In To Apply

Apply to Schools & Programs

To apply, log in to your GoCPS account.

Log In To Apply

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Tips for Applying 

  • Carefully research the available programs and apply to as many programs as you would accept an offer from. Find programs on the CPS School Search.

  • Only apply to schools/programs where you would accept an offer if your child receives one.

  • Check the maximum number of programs you can apply for. Learn more about applying to Choice programs and Selective Enrollment programs.

  • Rank all programs applying for in true order of preference and have your list ready when filling out the application. Learn more about ranking programs.

  • For programs that require testing, your child can only be tested in one grade level, so make sure this is decided before submitting your application.

Elementary School Important Dates

  • SEPTEMBER 24th, 2024 - Application Period Opens
  • NOVEMBER 15th, 2024 - Application Period Closes
  • SPRING 2025 - Results Released
  • SPRING 2025 - Accept/Decline Deadline
  • SPRING 2025 - Rolling Waitlist Process Opens
  • 2 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER OFFER ISSUED - Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline

Navigating the Application Process

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    Managing Your GoCPS Application

    Learn how to create a GoCPS account, start your application, and make any necessary changes.

    Learn More

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    Ranking Programs

    When you apply to Choice and Selective Enrollment programs through GoCPS, you will rank the programs in order of preference.The GoCPS selection process is designed to offer applicants the highest ranked program on their GoCPS application that they are eligible for and that has available seats.

    Learn More

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    Admissions Testing for Selective Enrollment

    All Selective Enrollment Elementary School (SEES) programs require admissions testing. Depending on the type of program, students may be required to take more than one test.

    Learn More

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    Official Grades for SEES Programs

    Grades from the previous school year are used as part of the eligibility process for Classical and Regional Gifted Center programs for grades 5-8 only, and are used for eligibility and in the selection process for Academic Centers. The required grades must be included on the GoCPS application to be considered for any SEES programs.

    Learn More

Next Phase

During the Results Phase, a computerized lottery will randomly fill the available seats at Choice schools, and the application system will try to place the student in the highest-ranked Selective Enrollment school on their application for which they qualify and that has available seats.

Go To Results Go to Elementary Resources

Office of Access & Enrollment (OAE)

773-553-2060

gocps@cps.edu

Chicago Public Schools
42 W. Madison St, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602