How It Works
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Students are selected for seats via a points-based system determined by entrance test results, all grade levels, and final grades/GPA, only for students applying to 5th through 8th grade (students with an IEP have the same grade requirements).
- Admission testing is required. There are three different exams that students can take depending on the program category they are applying to.
- Parents/guardians will be prompted to schedule the required exam(s) in the GoCPS application.
- There are NO Priority preferences (sibling, staff, proximity) for Selective Enrollment programs.
- Assigned address tiers apply for admission to entry level grades (Typically K or 7 for Academic Centers).
- Each student can apply to a maximum number of Selective Enrollment programs based on type (see below).
- Check the school profile page for details.
Selective Enrollment Elementary School (SEES) Program Categories
Note: Magnet programs are not SEES programs. For more information on Magnet programs visit Elementary Choice Programs.
Academic Centers (Grades 7-8)
Housed in high schools, academic centers offer high-achieving students the opportunity to take high school classes in english, social studies, science, mathematics, world language, and fine art.
Eligibility Requirements (Grades 5-8 Only)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Admissions Exam
- Regional Gifted Center
Scores Received
- Verbal and non-verbal section scores as well as an overall composite score
- Points are calculated using the Scoring Rubric (maximum 600 points)
Selection Process
- Points system of 600 total
- Grades: maximum 300 points
- Admissions Exam: maximum 300 points
Classical Schools (Grades K-8)
Classical schools provide an accelerated program in literature, mathematics, language arts, and the humanities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (for those applying to grades 5-8 only)
- No eligibility for those applying to K-4
Admissions Exam
- Classical Exam in Reading & Math. Score at or above the median on both the Reading and Math sections of the admissions exam.
- Percentiles and standard scores for both Math and Reading
- Points are calculated using the Scoring Rubric (maximum 300 points)
Selection Process
- Selected based on points system of 300 total
- Admissions exam score in Reading (maximum 150 points)
- Admissions exam score in Math (maximum 150 points)
Regional Gifted Centers (Grades K-8)
Regional gifted centers provide an accelerated instructional program that places an emphasis on thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and creativity.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (for those applying to Grades 5-8 only)
- No eligibility for those applying to K-4
Admissions Exam
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Regional Gifted Exam
Scores Received
- Verbal and non-verbal section scores as well as an overall composite score
- Points are calculated using the Scoring Rubric (maximum 300 points)
Selection Process
- Selected based on points system of 300 total
- Composite admissions exam score (maximum 300 points)
- If needed, Non-Verbal and Verbal subscores are used in the tiebreaker process
Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners (Grades K-8)
Housed in three elementary schools, Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners (ELs) are designed to meet the needs of high-ability students whose primary language is Polish or Spanish.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (for those applying to Grades 5-8 only)
- No eligibility for those applying to K-4
Admissions Exam
- Regional Gifted Exam for English Learners
Scores Received
- Applicants will receive an overall composite score
- Points are calculated using the Scoring Rubric (maximum 300 points)
Selection Process
- Selected based on points system of 300 total
Search for Schools & Programs
Maximum Programs to Include on the GoCPS Application
Each student can apply to up to six programs in groups 1 and 2 and up to three programs in group 3. Students may receive a single best offer in each category!
Academic Centers
Classical
Regional Gifted Center
EL Regional Gifted Center
Age Requirements (Grades 2-8)
Students applying to second grade or higher are not required to adhere to the September 1 guidelines. However, Regional Gifted Centers and Classical Schools offer a highly rigorous and accelerated curriculum. Our goal is to match students to the right program for them and ensure that the student does not experience undue academic stress. Parents/guardians are encouraged to take the child’s age into account when applying beyond first grade.
Submitting Grades (Grades 5-8 Only)
Grades from the student’s official transcript from the previous school year are used as part of the eligibility and/or selection process for grades 5-8 Selective Enrollment programs. If a student is currently attending a CPS school, grades will automatically sync with the application. If grades are not on file when you complete the application, applicants will have the option to upload official transcripts directly into the application. GPA eligibility MUST be met by the time the application closes or the entrance testing date, whichever comes first. If GPA eligibility is not met, the testing session will be canceled. Learn More about the application process.
Automatic Enrollment
Once a student is enrolled in a Selective Enrollment program, they are automatically re-enrolled in the next grade level for the following school year.
Transferring to Another Selective Enrollment Program
If a student is currently enrolled in a SEES program and wants to transfer to another SEES program, a GoCPS application must be submitted for the new program and the student must take the required testing for that application cycle. Students can not be transferred to another SEES (or choice) program without participating in the GoCPS application and selection process.