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Selective Enrollment Programs

There are 11 selective enrollment high school programs at CPS, which provide academically advanced students with a challenging college preparatory experience. Applicants can apply to up to 6 of these programs. Seats are limited and admission is highly competitive.

High School Selective Enrollment Programs Explained

Selective Enrollment High Schools

School Building IconProvide academically advanced high school students with a challenging and enriched college preparatory experience through a rigorous curriculum of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Testing is required. GoCPS application is required.

  1. BROOKS HS
  2. HANCOCK HS
  3. JONES HS
  4. KING HS
  5. LANE TECH HS
  6. LINDBLOM HS
  7. NORTHSIDE PREP HS
  8. PAYTON HS
  9. SOUTH SHORE INTL HS
  10. WESTINGHOUSE HS
  11. YOUNG HS

How It Works

  • Students are selected via a points system based on HSAT results and final grades from their seventh grade report cards.

  • The CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT) is the only test required.
  • There are NO priority preferences (sibling, staff, proximity).
  • Assigned address tiers apply. Find your tier by typing in your address or learn more about tiers.
  • Each student can apply for up to 6 selective enrollment programs and must rank in order of preference.

Students in a classroom

Points-Based Selection System

Open seats for selective enrollment programs are filled based on total points. Programs have minimum point requirements to be eligible for selection and the waitlist. (See last year’s Point Total Documents–the minimum point totals are the lowest scores students had that were offered a seat in a program during the initial selections process.) An applicant’s total points is comprised of:

  • 50% from student’s final 7th grade grades from the core subjects: Math, Reading, Science and Social Science on official transcript. (All grade discrepancies must be addressed before the application deadline)
  • 50% from the CPS HSAT results

Two students working on a science project

Special Eligibility Requirements: IEP and Bilingual Education

Students who qualify for an IEP or those receiving bilingual education services can follow the additional guidance below:

  • Applicable test accommodations described in Section 10 (c) of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan will be made available. Learn More
  • Students with disabilities are required to take entrance tests unless the student is placed by the Office of Special Education and Supports into a low incidence program at the school.
  • Students with an IEP are placed into a separate pool. Our goal is to ensure the percentage of students with disabilities is reached to maintain a diverse population at all of our schools.
  • Depending on the applicant pool, some students with disabilities may be accepted with lower test scores than general education students. To be considered for selective enrollment programs, all applicants need to earn a score that demonstrates they can compete and succeed in an accelerated program.

Group of laughing students

Office of Access & Enrollment (OAE)

773-553-2060

gocps@cps.edu

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