For Parents, By Parents, About Public & Private Chicago Schools
GoCPS will release Round 1 offers for 2022-2023 Elementary Magnet (including Suder & Drummond), Open Enrollment, Magnet Cluster and Selective Enrollment Gifted, Classical and Academic Center programs on 4/29/22. The deadline to accept or decline offers is 5/13/22. https://go.cps.edu/
View helpful Selection Videos HERE.
Sign up for a Family Training webinar (4/19 @ 10am or 4/27 at 2pm) to understand offers via this LINK.
Current 8th graders who applied to Chicago Public Schools for Fall 2022 will receive their Round 1 results at 5pm on Friday, March 18. Good luck to all applicants! From https://go.cps.edu/
Families interested in Chicago Public School programs for 3 year olds through 9th grade for the 2022-2023 school year must submit applications by 5pm on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 at https://cps.schoolmint.com/login.
This is also the deadline to add or subtract schools and re-rank any Selective Enrollment or high school choices. Any CPS testing dates must be requested by this deadline as well.
Notifications should arrive in the spring, with high school notifications coming a month before elementary notifications. More information and FAQs for preschool, elementary and high school at https://go.cps.edu/
One’s neighborhood school is always guaranteed and does not require an application.
Chicago Public Schools are now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year until Dec. 15, 2021. Families can explore https://go.cps.edu/ to learn about the school options and request an account at https://cps.schoolmint.com/login. One account per family and each student can be added as they become eligible to apply to CPS programs. A CPS Student ID can be requested through the portal for any student not already in the CPS system.
Always apply one year before a program begins, and CPS has a Sept 1st cutoff date to be eligible for preschool through 1st grade programs. An “age exception” is provided only for families with a fall birthday child who wants to start K or 1st grade early.
You do NOT have to apply to your assigned neighborhood school and there is never a deadline to register at your neighborhood school. For all other programs, including a neighborhood school that is not your own, CPS allows for “Open Enrollment” and you can apply to programs for which your student is age-eligible or meets a pre-requisite via a GoCPS CHOICE (up to 20 lottery or minimal criteria based admission programs) and/or SEES (up to 6 ranked test based admission programs) application. Read more about CPS school types here: Elementary and High School.
Scoring rubrics have been updated for this application cycle to reflect the discontinuation of NWEA MAP testing for 5th through 9th grade programs. There are no scoring rubrics and no cutoffs will be posted for K-8th grade Classical or Regional Gifted Center Selective Enrollment programs.
Find helpful CPS FAQ’s on the application process HERE: https://go.cps.edu/about-gocps/faq/elementary (be sure to click on the proper tab: HS, Elem or Preschool)Each student can apply up to 20 CHOICE programs (multiple offers for elementary programs listed in no particular order, and single offer for ranked high school programs) AND up to 6 ranked Selective Enrollment programs (single offer for elementary or high school). If testing is required, you will be asked to choose a test date AFTER you choose the school programs that require testing.Good luck to families applying for Fall 2022 CPS programs! More info at https://go.cps.edu/about-gocps
Beginning this year, the Chicago Public Schools will not use the NWEA MAP exam for the GoCPS eligibility or selection process for any schools or programs. For students applying to ninth grade, no schools or programs will have minimum eligibility requirements based on NWEA. Instead, a single admissions exam, the CPS High School Admissions Test, will be available for all students.
The CPS High School Admissions Test will be available to all current CPS students applying to ninth grade on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021. Students will take the exam at their school during the school day.
The CPS High School Admissions Test will be available to all non-CPS students applying to ninth grade at a designated CPS location on the following dates:
Registration information for all students will be forthcoming.
For Non-CPS students, these are the four testing dates for this application cycle. Please hold these dates now to ensure that you are available to test if you are planning to apply to a CPS high school.
Using one test will streamline the GoCPS application process by decreasing the number of exams required, and allowing the same single exam to be applied to the selection processes for all programs, where applicable.
For students applying to fifth through eighth grades, eligibility to take the admissions exam(s) for academic centers, classical schools and regional gifted centers will be based on GPA. Dates for these exams will be released at a later date.
We look forward to a great year ahead, and our staff is here to support your family through the application process. You can contact our office by phone at 773-553-2060, or via email at GOCPS@CPS.EDU.
See below for an informational webinar and FAQs on the admissions process for the 2022-2023 school year.INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
This was from https://go.cps.edu/admissiontest/high-school
$15 for the whole family, and fee waivers are available upon request.
Knowing how to cast your net wide and increase your options is KEY to a successful Chicago high school search. Join Chicago School GPS as we bring together over 35 participating schools, each with unique qualities that you may not have known about prior to coming to our Hidden Gems Fair. PLUS, you can meet helpful resource vendors and partake in informative breakout sessions that will give you clarity on the high school process. Join us for an afternoon designed to make your high school journey a successful one!
Program begins at 1pm with high schools showcasing what makes them unique, and breakout sessions begin at 2:00pm. Fair ends at 4pm.
Our invaluable breakout sessions offer insights for Middle School Parents and Students on topics such as:
Round 1 CPS Elementary Notifications were posted in the GoCPS portal for Choice (lottery) and/or Selective Enrollment (test based) selections. Students could be offered multiple Choice program offers but only ONE selective enrollment offer. A family’s neighborhood school is always guaranteed.
Choice elementary offers are based on a lottery selection process and include magnet, magnet cluster (neighborhood w/focus area) and open enrollment (other neighborhood) schools. Drummond, Suder and Inter-American preschool programs are included in Choice schools. CPS Tiers and proximity are only considered for the entry year of a magnet program. All other programs conduct a general lottery (in some cases, a sibling lottery).
Selective enrollment elementary offers are based on entrance testing and include Classical & Regional Gifted Centers (K or 1st through 8th), as well as Academic Centers (7th/8th). CPS Tiers are only considered for the entry year of these programs and offers are “single offer” only, based on a student’s score.
Details, dates and Academic Center (7th grade) cutoff scores are posted on GoCPS. Helpful GoCPS videos are posted HERE (note: videos are slightly outdated since there are no longer International Gifted programs).
New applicants can request a CPS ID to apply to Round 2 (existing applicants do not need new CPS ID). Round 2 applications will open on June 21 for any schools with remaining open seats. Any unfilled seats may also be filled on an as available basis at the end of the summer by contacting a school you are interested in.
Applicant families are encouraged to “tour” schools before decisions are returned.
If your 8th grader missed applying to CPS this year or would like to apply to any programs that still have open spots after Round 1 ended, then NOW is the time to apply for Fall 2021 9th grade spots.
Participating programs are here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oP1DuhuzrIip37qn4vOqPyqRMj5NdY9VkbNXzOiQowA/edit#gid=0
Applications are here: https://cps.schoolmint.net/signup
This is from https://go.cps.edu/high-school/learn#RoundTwoWaitlist
“A second round of applications will be opened shortly after the Round 1 application acceptance deadline. However, the only programs available in Round 2 will be the ones that still have remaining seats after Round 1.
Families can accept a Round 1 offer and still participate in Round 2. However, if the student receives a second-round offer, they will automatically forfeit their Round 1 offer. Because of this, families are cautioned to only apply to programs in Round 2 that they would prefer more than the Round 1 offer they accepted.”
The first round of CPS High School Notifications for 2021-2022 were released on April 30, 2021. Depending on whether an 8th grade student applied to test based Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS) and/or non-test based Choice High Schools (including IB, Magnet, CTE, Military, Charter, etc), a student can have up to 3 public high school choices: one offer for SEHS, one for Choice, and their neighborhood high school.
Any Round 1 offers must be accepted or declined by May 14, 2021. Waitlists will open on May 17, but families should understand that not all high schools go to a waitlist, including at least half of the SEHS.
1st Round Cutoff scores for 2021-2021 SEHS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14i_837GQCPcWnvU2feSN6mzPssnhVNDR/view
1st Round Cutoff scores for 2021-2021 Choice HS (note- not all programs have cutoff scores): https://drive.google.com/file/d/14YCGhBy3uK4xiTxOG2mAjvOUd7Gp2SiR/view
SEHS Principal’s Discretion is only for students who applied to Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS) but would like to enter a holistic appeal process that allows an SEHS Principal to select 5% of the freshman class for another SEHS on their list. SEHS PD opens May 5 and closes May 19. Results will be posted the week of June 14. A packet of information detailing the steps and timing as well as helpful FAQs are linked from here: https://go.cps.edu/high-school/principal-discretion
The GoCPS Round 2 process is for any programs that have not filled their seats from Round 1. The programs offering Round 2 seats will be listed around May 17, and the Round 2 application opens on May 17 and closes on May 21. Results will be released on June 18.
Chicago Early Learning’s school and community based preschool programs for 4 and 3 year olds (by Sept. 1st birthday) opened its 2021-2022 application on 4/21/21. If parents are interested in these sliding scale tuition programs that prioritize low income and 4 year old students, then visit www.chicagoearlylearning.org or call 312.229.1690 to apply.
Families can choose up to 2 Chicago Public School (CPS) or community based sites. Families should choose programs based on location, hours (most are 7 hours, some are half day) and ages served (most prioritize 4 year olds). School based sites mostly host 4 year olds, while community based sites mostly host 3 year olds.
Applicants who apply within the first 3 weeks of the application opening receive “preferred placement”, then placements are based on a space available, rolling admissions basis.
Helpful FAQs can be found HERE. The application is linked HERE.
Note: CPS based sites do NOT guarantee students can attend that school’s kindergarten program if that is not their neighborhood school.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced that there will be no NWEA MAP testing this Spring 2021. All students interested in High School for Fall 2022 will take a CPS High School Admissions Test in Fall 2021. http://ow.ly/XZn550EpIct
This means that current Spring 2021 7th graders will not be taking NWEA MAP tests as part of the admissions criteria for 9th grade admissions. Instead, all Fall 2021 8th graders will be taking a new CPS High School Admissions Test in school during Fall 2021 for Fall 2022 high school admissions.
From the email: “For SY22 applications, CPS will use one exam, the CPS High School Admissions Test, to determine selection for choice and selective enrollment programs. This test will replace NWEA for choice programs and both the NWEA and the Selective Enrollment High School Exam for SEHS applications. Every eighth grader will take the test—CPS students will take it during the school day at their school, and non-CPS students will take it on the weekends at a designated testing site. Eliminating NWEA and offering all students the Selective Enrollment High School Exam will reduce testing for students who are interested in choice and selective programs, remove the minimum eligibility requirement for programs, and promote equity by providing all students access to the test during school hours.
The CPS High School Admissions Test will be administered in Fall 2021 and will be used for the upcoming GoCPS application cycle. More information, as it becomes available, will be posted on go.cps.edu. Additionally, families interested in learning more can attend one of the following public virtual information sessions: Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. A form to RSVP is available at go.cps.edu to register to attend one of the sessions. “
After a very trying year for so many, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are opening elementary schools to families who opt into in-person learning. Families have a choice each quarter to either remain remote or come back for hybrid (part time) in person classes. Safety protocols and daily health screenings are required, as well as social distancing and facility improvements. More details from CPS.edu: https://www.cps.edu/school-reopening/
PreK and Cluster programs started on Feb. 11
Elementary K-5th grade begin on March 1
Elementary 6th-8th grade begin on March 8
High Schoolers are TBD and remain remote for now.
A message from CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dear CPS Families,
The pandemic has impacted every aspect of our school year, including the important process our students go through when choosing the school options that will best match their talents, interests, and abilities. So to ensure everyone has the time they need to make this important decision, we are extending the GoCPS application deadline from Friday, December 11, 2020 to Friday, January 8, 2021.
We hope that this added time will give students and families the opportunity they need to carefully consider the many school options that are available throughout the district. As a result of this extension, offers for the 2021-22 school year will come out slightly later than in years past, and we will provide an update with the exact date. In the meantime, we urge our students to look at all of their options, from their neighborhood schools to offerings in STEM, IB, world language, and selective-enrollment, among others, to determine which environment will best meet their needs.
Sincerely,
Janice K. Jackson, EdD LaTanya D. McDade
Chief Executive Officer Chief Education Officer
Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Schools
From now until Dec. 11, 2020 at 11:59pm you can apply to Chicago Public School (CPS) programs for Fall 2021 entry. Using the www.go.cps.edu platform, you can apply for 3 CPS Magnet Preschools (Suder, Drummond & Inter-American) and up to 20 out of hundreds of non-test based elementary and high school options, as well as up to 6 test based selective enrollment options. Online applications require a CPS ID number, which can be requested by non-CPS families until Nov. 23. Families can apply to both Choice (no entrance test) or Selective Enrollment (entrance test required) programs. Test based programs also require scheduling entrance testing. High schools may also require additional screening requirements. Check out www.go.cps.edu for more info.
For 6th-8th grade Middle School Families looking to VIRTUALLY meet over 35 Hidden Gems High Schools on Sunday, October 25, 2020 from 1-4pm CT and learn about how to navigate admissions and testing for Chicago area high schools and beyond. (Early bird tickets until 10/11/20 and fee waivers available).
Representatives from public, private and boarding schools will be on hand to chat about their schools and let you know of other admissions events. Register HERE.
Thanks to presenting sponsor, Bennett Day School; Major Sponsors, Daystar Academy, Test Prep Chicago and GEMS World Chicago; and Supporting Sponsor, Wayland Academy.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have released some changes to the 2021-2022 Application process and are listed at https://go.cps.edu/about-gocps/2020-process-changes
REVISED CRITERIA FOR HIGH
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Because assessment and grading policies were impacted last year due to COVID-19, we are updating our criteria for admission to high schools.
NWEA scores
Seventh grade spring NWEA scores are used in the application and selection processes to determine students’ eligibility in the high school selective enrollment process, in addition to the enrollment process of over 100 academic programs, including International Baccalaureate (IB).
Typically, students must score a minimum percentile of 24 on both their spring reading and math NWEA exams in the year prior to applying (i.e., seventh grade spring scores for high school programs). Students with IEPs and English learners must have a combined percentile of 48, but do not need to achieve the 24th percentile on each exam.
To determine eligibility for students applying for high school admission for the fall of 2021, CPS will consider students’ highest NWEA scores from any of the following prior administrations:
If students do not have any valid NWEA scores from these administration windows, or have not taken the NWEA with CPS, the district will be administering the exam in October, on select weekends, for interested families. More information on signing up for the Fall NWEA is available at go.cps.edu under “NWEA MAP”.
To determine selections, CPS will consider students’ highest NWEA scores from any of the prior administrations listed above and the Winter 2020 administration of NWEA.
Grades
Many programs consider students’ grades and GPA as a component of the selection process. During remote learning last spring, most students received final grades that accurately reflected their learning and work. However, we know some students were not able to participate in virtual remote learning. For the 2020–21 high school admission process , the district will use the highest scores of either their final grades or the average of their first and second quarter grades.
Selective Enrollment Exam
The selective enrollment exam is administered during the winter of eighth grade as a component of the selection process for selective enrollment high schools. CPS plans to administer this exam in person as scheduled during the winter of SY2020–21 with proper health and safety protocols in place. The dates of the selective enrollment exam will be announced in the fall.
Attendance
Some high schools consider attendance during the application and selection process. Because attendance was not tracked during remote learning in the spring, attendance will not be used as an admissions criteria for the fall of 2021.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Sessions
IB programs required students to attend an information session; however, students’ abilities to attend these information sessions has varied leading to inequitable outcomes for applicants to IB programs. In light of the transition to remote learning, these information sessions will not be required or the SY2020–21 application process.
Auditions
Auditions for students applying to fine and performing arts programs will be conducted remotely. Auditions vary depending upon the program; school staff will have additional information about auditions and how they will be conducted in the fall.
SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
(INCLUDING ACADEMIC CENTERS)
Testing for selective enrollment elementary school programs including gifted and classical programs will also be administered in person during the winter of SY2020-21 with proper health and safety protocols in place. The dates of these exams will be announced in the fall.
Students applying to fifth through eighth grade must achieve a minimum NWEA score to apply to gifted, classical programs and academic centers. For these students, CPS will consider students’ highest NWEA scores from any of the following prior administrations:
To determine selections, CPS will consider students’ highest NWEA scores from any of the prior administrations listed above and the Winter 2020 administration of NWEA.
INCREASED ACCESS FOR STUDENTS
WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGH SCHOOL
CLUSTER PROGRAMS
Cluster programs are designed for students requiring a significantly modified curriculum with moderate to intensive supports in a separate classroom from general education peers for the majority of the day. Prior to the upcoming application cycle, cluster students could not participate in the GoCPS high school application process. This fall, eighth grade cluster students will be able to apply to cluster programs (and other high school programs, as appropriate) through GoCPS, similar to the application process for their general education peers.
REMOTE TOURS, INFORMATION
SESSIONS, OPEN HOUSES AND
OTHER EVENTS
Learning about school options by attending tours, open houses, and other events is an important part of choosing the right fit for your child. With students starting the school year learning at home and the continued need for social distancing, schools will conduct events and tours remotely. Event details will be posted on go.cps.edu as we receive information from schools, as well as individual school websites.
Although the school year will look different this year, families will still have ample time to research their options and apply to their preferred high schools. Key dates are as follows:
For more information, please visit go.cps.edu or contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at gocps@cps.edu or 773-553-2060.
While parents are still waiting to hear from #CPS about their student’s schedules before the first day of school on 9/8/20, CPS did release their Final #Reopening Framework last week. https://www.cps.edu/school-reopening-2020/
Some highlights:
It remains to be seen how plans and reality play out, but we advise all parents to encourage their students to engage as much as possible while understanding the limitations at hand. For both home and school environments, conditions are FAR from ideal and the global crisis is still evolving, unfortunately.
After much anticipation, CPS has announced their hybrid remote learning model tentatively scheduled to roll out this Fall 2020. With the pandemic still changing each day, the plan thus far is:
There are many impacts to this plan that CPS is seeking feedback on via their Survey. They are asking all stakeholders, including parents, students, staff and community members, to weigh in. Survey HERE.
Community meetings are being scheduled for July 27-31 to solicit input and feedback. The final plan will be announced in late August.
No plan will suit all families, but let your voice be heard by weighing in. Helpful video explaining the plan can be found HERE.
Chicago Early Learning’s school and community based preschool programs for 4 and 3 year olds (by Sept. 1st birthday) opens its 2020-2021 application on 5/21/20. If parents are interested in these sliding scale tuition programs that prioritize low income and 4 year old students, then visit www.chicagoearlylearning.org or call 312.229.1690 to apply.
Families can choose up to 2 Chicago Public School (CPS) or community based sites. Families should choose programs based on location, hours (most are 7 hours, some are half day) and ages served (most prioritize 4 year olds).
Helpful FAQs can be found HERE. The application is linked HERE.
Note: CPS based sites do NOT guarantee students can attend that school’s kindergarten program if that is not their neighborhood school.
CPS released first round elementary notifications on May 8, 2020 for families applying to Choice (Open Enrollment, Magnet, Magnet Cluster) and/or Selective Enrollment (Gifted, Classical and Academic Centers) programs for PK to 8th grade. Families learned if they were offered a spot or if they would have to wait until further rounds to hear about offers. The first round decision deadline is May 22, and waitlists open on May 29.
Academic Centers (7th grade entry) are the only selective enrollment elementary programs that release cutoff scores.
More info at https://go.cps.edu/elementary-school or check out the ES Choice Forum or ES SEES Forum for crowdsourced information on selective enrollment scores and Choice offers.
From https://go.cps.edu/high-school/principal-discretion
The Principal Discretion application period for the 2020-2021 school year opens at 9 am on April 27th and ends at 6 pm on May 8th. Click the links below to access the Principal Discretion Handbook and Frequently Asked Questions. The handbook provides step-by-step instructions for submitting a Principal Discretion Application Package and contains the guidelines and requirements for the process.
In light of the transition of the Chicago Public Schools to remote learning, Application Packages will be accepted online, and detailed instructions will be provided to help you with the submission process. Starting at 9 am on April 27th, the online submission portal will be accessible on this page. If you are unable to submit your package online, please call the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060, weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm, for alternate submission options.
If you have questions after you review the documents below, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060, weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm, or GOCPS@CPS.EDU.
School Notifications for 2020-2021 entry continue to come in despite our unique time of social distancing and quarantining. Rest assured, we will return to a “new normal” and when that time comes, we will need to have a school choice in place. In order to help determine school fit, we are providing a platform to crowdsource information on various schools. If you have any helpful information for prospective families to learn more about a school remotely, please share your experiences, or create a new string if you do not see a particular school below. If you are a family seeking information, please feel free to pose your question under a particular school. In each school’s entry should be a link to the CPS page with more info.
Besides this forum, we encourage everyone to check out the websites or social media streams for each school, along with any parent groups such as “Friends of” groups that typically have contact information.
We are all in this together, and in this time of need, our collective experiences can help others become better informed. Thank you!
| Agassiz Elementary | Alcott Elementary |
| Audubon Elementary | Bell Elementary |
| Blaine Elementary | Burley Elementary |
| Chappell Elementary | Coonley Elementary |
| Burr Elementary | Brentano Elementary |
| Hawthorne Elementary | Goethe Elementary |
| Disney Elementary | Disney II Elementary |
| LaSalle Elementary | LaSalle II Elementary |
| Nettelhorst Elementary | Jahn Elementary |
| McPherson Elementary | Ravenswood Elementary |
| Waters Elementary | Ogden Elementary |
| Lincoln Elementary | Mayer Elementary |
| Drummond Montessori | Suder Montessori |
| Inter-American | Jackson Language |
| STEM Magnet | Edison Elementary |
| Beaubien Elementary | Galileo Elementary |
| Mitchell Elementary | Talcott Elementary |
| Bateman Elementary | Murphy Elementary |
The first round of CPS High School Notifications for 2020-2021 were released on March 27, 2020. Depending on whether an 8th grade student applied to test based Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS) and/or non-test based Choice High Schools (including IB, Magnet, CTE, Military, Charter, etc), a student can have up to 3 public high school choices: up to one offer for SEHS, one for Choice, and their neighborhood high school.
Any offers must be accepted or declined by April 22, 2020. Waitlists will open on April 27, but families should understand that not all high schools go to a waitlist, including at least half of the SEHS.
1st Round Cutoff scores for 2020-2021 SEHS: https://cps.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/gocps/GoCPS_Cutoff_SEHS_2020-21.pdf
1st Round Cutoff scores for 2020-2021 Choice HS (note- not all programs have cutoff scores): https://cps.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/gocps/GoCPS_Cutoff_Choice_2020-21.pdf
SEHS Principal’s Discretion is only for students who applied to Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS) but would like to enter a holistic appeal process that allows an SEHS Principal to select 5% of the freshman class for another SEHS on their list. A packet of information will be released shortly to detail the steps and timing.
Families who missed applying to the first round of CPS elementary and high school programs for 2020-2021 can request to be put into CPS’s application system by filling out their CPS Student ID request form.
From go.cps.edu:
CPS’s 2020-2021 School Calendar is out now: https://cps.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/SY2020-2021-Academic-Calendar-English.pdf
While applications for the first round of 2020-2021 Entry to Chicago Public Schools closed on 12/13/19, families can re-rank their selective enrollment and/or their high school Choice selections until Feb 3, 2020. Contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 or GOCPS@CPS.EDU for instructions on re-ranking
These ranked applications will only offer a single choice for each list (selective enrollment RGC/Classical, Academic Centers, SE schools and non-selective Choice high schools). A family’s neighborhood school never has a deadline for enrollment.
Elementary Choice (non-selective) programs such as magnet and open enrollment schools are not ranked. Families can get multiple offers for those elementary programs.
First round notifications for high schools will be released on March 27, 2020 and elementary schools will be released on April 24, 2020.
Apply now to high school, elementary school, and 3 magnet preschools via www.go.cps.edu now through Dec. 13, 2019. https://go.cps.edu/about-gocps
CPS automatically allows entry to Kindergarten for students who are 5 by September 1st, but families with students who turn 5 by Dec. 31 can request an Early Entry to Kindergarten this Fall. The evaluation process would allow a fall birthday student to start at their neighborhood school (or any Choice or selective enrollment program with available space) if the student is deemed academically and socially ready by CPS. Required to implement ISBE’s Accelerated Placement Act, CPS has outlined a new 6 step policy for evaluation. The application is open from July 1-19 and FAQs can be found here. The six steps are:
Non-CPS students who are interested in applying for 5th-9th grade CPS programs for Fall 2020 should be sure to take the CPS administered NWEA Map tests. CPS requires this qualifying test of reading and math to be taken by all non-CPS students applying to selective programs in those upper grades. Students can register by August 30 to take the tests on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29 or Oct. 5 or 6. All students who test by those dates will be able to use the online GoCPS application system. All current CPS students will have their spring NWEA Map scores used for qualifications and rubric calculations. GoCPS applications are open 9/30/19-12/6/19.