The 30 Best High Schools in Chicago: Top-Performing Academic Institutions

Chicago’s educational landscape offers families a diverse array of high-performing public schools that consistently rank among the nation’s best. The city’s top high schools span from highly selective college preparatory programs to specialized magnet schools focusing on science, technology, arts, and career preparation.

This comprehensive ranking examines 30 of Chicago’s highest-performing high schools, evaluating factors including academic achievement, college readiness, graduation rates, and specialized program offerings.

Each school brings unique strengths to the table, whether through rigorous academic curricula, innovative teaching approaches, or specialized focus areas that prepare students for specific career paths.

Understanding these distinctions helps families identify which institutions align best with their educational goals and student needs.

Here are the 30 best high schools in Chicago:

1. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School stands as Chicago’s premier selective enrollment public high school. Located in the Old Town neighborhood, this institution has earned national recognition since opening in 2000.

The school consistently ranks among the top high schools in the United States. U.S. News & World Report placed Walter Payton at fifth nationally in their 2024 Best High Schools rankings.

Walter Payton maintains a 100% graduation rate, demonstrating exceptional student outcomes. The school operates as a magnet institution within the Chicago Public Schools district.

Students at Walter Payton benefit from a rigorous academic program focused on college preparation. The school emphasizes international teaching methods and global learning opportunities.

Admission to Walter Payton is highly competitive through the selective enrollment process. Applicants consistently score among the highest when seeking admission to Chicago Public Schools high schools.

2. Northside College Preparatory High School

Northside College Preparatory High School earned the top ranking from Chicago Magazine in their first high school rankings in five years. The school serves grades 9-12 with 1,032 students and maintains a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio.

Located in the North Park neighborhood, this selective enrollment magnet school consistently ranks among the top 3-5 high schools in Illinois. The academic performance demonstrates exceptional results with 94% of students proficient in math and 90% in reading.

SAT scores reflect the school’s academic excellence, with 91.2% of 11th-grade students achieving proficiency in mathematics and 91.6% in other subjects. The school offers multiple Advanced Placement courses and operates 25 sports programs.

Northside College Prep also features a Gifted and Talented program as part of Chicago Public Schools’ 184 high schools. The combination of strong test scores, high graduation rates, and comprehensive programming establishes its reputation among Chicago’s most prestigious institutions.

3. Jones College Prep High School

Jones College Prep High School stands as one of Chicago’s premier selective-enrollment public schools. Located in the Printer’s Row neighborhood downtown, this magnet school serves 1,973 students in grades 9-12.

The school maintains exceptional academic standards with 90% of students proficient in math and 91% proficient in reading. Its student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 supports individualized attention.

Jones College Prep offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school also provides a Gifted & Talented program for high-achieving students.

The institution consistently ranks among Illinois’s top high schools. It earned recognition as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by Newsweek in 2010.

Students benefit from community-building programs like High School Connection. This week-long orientation helps first-year students connect with teachers and upperclassmen through Eagle Ambassadors.

4. Lane Tech College Prep High School

Lane Tech College Prep High School stands as Chicago’s largest high school with approximately 4,500 students. The school operates as a selective enrollment magnet institution within the Chicago Public Schools district.

Located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, Lane Tech has served students since 1908. The school originally opened as an all-boys technical school before evolving into its current coeducational format.

The school maintains a 17:1 student-teacher ratio across grades 7-12. Lane Tech achieves strong academic results with 82% of students proficient in math and 87% proficient in reading according to state assessments.

Lane Tech consistently ranks among Chicago’s top public high schools. The school earned the fifth position in recent rankings of the city’s best public high schools. Students benefit from Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs designed to prepare them for college success.

5. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School ranks as the 3rd best high school in Illinois according to U.S. News. The school serves 2,221 students in grades 7-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.

Located in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood, the school opened in 1975 as a public magnet institution. It was named after Whitney Young, a prominent civil rights leader.

The school maintains impressive academic standards with 91% of students proficient in math and 89% in reading. Whitney Young ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Illinois.

The institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and advanced placement courses. Students regularly achieve exceptional ACT scores, with 23 students scoring a perfect 36 in recent testing.

Whitney Young also earned recognition as the 2nd most diverse high school in both Chicago and Illinois according to Niche rankings for 2024.

6. Hancock College Prep High School

John Hancock College Preparatory High School (commonly known as Hancock High School) is a public four-year selective enrollment high school located in the Clearing neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Hancock is named for American Revolution patriot and statesman John Hancock. The school is a part of the Chicago Public Schools district.

Hancock College Preparatory High School is rated a 10 out of 10 by GreatSchools, a national school quality information site.

GreatSchools’ Summary Rating is based on four of the school’s themed ratings: the Test Score Rating, Student or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, and Equity Rating and flags for discipline and attendance disparities at a school.

7. Lincoln Park High School

Lincoln Park High School ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Illinois. The school serves 2,125 students in grades 9-12 and operates as part of Chicago Public Schools District 299.

The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.2 to 1. Lincoln Park High School ranks as the 70th largest public high school in Illinois and holds the 1,437th position nationally by enrollment size.

Students can access Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs. The school functions as one of 184 high schools within the Chicago Public Schools system.

Lincoln Park High School holds the 11th position among Illinois high schools according to recent rankings. The school’s math proficiency rates reach 45% compared to the state average of 28%, while reading proficiency stands at 50% versus the Illinois average of 32%.

8. Kenwood Academy High School

Kenwood Academy High School ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Illinois. The school serves 2,337 students in grades 7-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1.

Located in Chicago, Kenwood Academy is part of the Chicago Public Schools system. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Project Lead The Way curriculum for students interested in STEM fields.

Academic performance shows 34% of students are proficient in math and 37% in reading according to state test scores. The school also operates a Gifted & Talented program for high-achieving students.

Kenwood Academy has achieved notable success in athletics. Their Lady Broncos Track & Field Team’s 4x200m relay team holds school and meet records, ranking number one in the state and top 15 nationally.

9. Senn High School

Senn High School operates as a Wall-to-Wall IB World School in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. The school serves 1,516 students in grades 9-12 and opened in 1913.

The school offers International Baccalaureate Middle Years, Career, and Diploma Programmes. Students can access a selective IB Diploma Prep Program and advanced placement courses.

Senn features a Magnet Fine and Performing Arts Program alongside career and technical education opportunities. The school provides multiple pathways for student specialization.

The institution has achieved significant academic progress in recent years. Senn earned a Level 1 rating from Chicago Public Schools after previously being on academic probation for 13 of 17 years.

The school moved from the bottom third of Chicago Public Schools to top-tier status. This transformation occurred under current leadership since 2010.

10. Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center

Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Illinois. This magnet school serves 1,695 students in grades 9-12 on Chicago’s north side.

The school operates two distinct programs: Scholars and Magnet College Prep. The Scholars program offers only honors and Advanced Placement classes, while the Magnet College Prep provides regular and honors courses.

Von Steuben features a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum focused on science and technology education.

Academic performance shows 39% of students are proficient in math and 32% in reading according to state test scores. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and athletic programs in a diverse learning environment.

Located on the border of North Park and Albany Park neighborhoods, Von Steuben is one of 184 high schools within Chicago Public Schools.

11. Amundsen High School

Roald Amundsen High School serves 1,585 students in grades 9-12 in Chicago’s Ravenswood, Andersonville, and Lincoln Square neighborhoods. The school opened in 1929 and is named after Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.

The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Illinois for 2025. Amundsen offers a competitive International Baccalaureate program that attracts students seeking rigorous academic preparation.

Students follow “The Viking Way,” a school-wide value system that guides their development. The school maintains strong athletic programs alongside its academic offerings.

Amundsen focuses on college and career preparation for all students. The school’s location at 5110 N Damen Avenue provides access to diverse Chicago neighborhoods and cultural resources.

The combination of IB programming, athletics, and comprehensive student support makes Amundsen a notable choice among Chicago’s neighborhood high schools.

12. Boss Academy High School

Boss Academy High School serves students in Chicago’s South Side community. The school focuses on providing career-oriented education alongside traditional academic subjects.

Students at Boss Academy have access to various career pathway programs. These programs prepare them for both college and immediate entry into the workforce after graduation.

The school emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Students can participate in internships and work-study programs that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

Boss Academy maintains partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These connections provide students with networking opportunities and potential job placements.

The school offers support services to help students succeed academically and personally. Counselors work with students to develop post-graduation plans that align with their career goals.

Boss Academy’s approach combines academic rigor with practical skills training. This dual focus helps prepare students for multiple pathways after high school graduation.

13. Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy

Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy is a selective enrollment magnet high school located in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago’s far south side. The school opened in 1998 as South Side College Prep and was renamed in 2001 to honor Chicago Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks.

The academy offers a rigorous academic program with Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit courses. Students benefit from a Proficiency-Based Learning approach that emphasizes real-world applications.

Brooks has earned recognition as a top performer in Illinois. The school received the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2018 and ranks in the top 10% of schools statewide.

The Class of 2024 achieved an average SAT score of 1110 and earned $24,423,916 in scholarship funds. The school serves both middle and high school students through Chicago Public Schools.

14. Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences

Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) is a public magnet school located in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood. The school opened in 1985 and operates on a 72-acre campus with extensive agricultural facilities.

CHSAS serves approximately 832 students in grades 9-12. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1, providing focused attention for academic success.

The school offers a college preparatory curriculum with an agricultural focus. Students develop marketable skills while preparing for higher education and careers in agriculture.

As the only school of its kind in the Midwest, CHSAS attracts diverse students from across Chicago. The magnet program draws applicants seeking specialized agricultural education.

Academic performance shows 22% of students are proficient in reading and 12% in math according to state testing. The school consistently ranks in the top half of Illinois high schools.

15. Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School

Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School serves students in grades 9-12 in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the west side. The school opened in 1972 as Austin Middle School before becoming the current high school.

The magnet school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 with 411 enrolled students. This smaller class size allows for more individualized attention.

Located at 5101 W Harrison Street, the school focuses on academic preparation for college and career readiness. The institution serves the South Austin Community and operates as part of Chicago Public Schools.

Michele Clark offers diverse learning experiences and emphasizes building connections between students and staff. The school’s colors are black and gold, representing its community identity.

The campus provides students with core academic skills designed to prepare them for post-secondary education and future careers.

16. Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago

Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago serves grades 7-12 as the city’s only all-girls public school. The institution was established in 1999 in the Douglas neighborhood.

The school focuses on college preparatory education with emphasis on math, science, and technology. It serves approximately 350 urban girls annually.

Founded by 23 influential women, the charter school aims to provide enhanced educational opportunities for low-income minority students. The curriculum is designed to build self-confidence while challenging students academically.

YWLCS operates comprehensive support services including counseling, scholarship information, and career planning guidance. The school maintains specialized staff including social workers and development associates.

The institution prioritizes rigorous academic preparation in a small school environment. Students receive individualized attention through lower student-to-teacher ratios compared to traditional public schools.

17. Noble Street College Prep High School

Noble Street College Prep stands as the original campus of the Noble Network of Charter Schools. The school operates as a Level +1 public charter high school in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.

The school serves 679 students across grades 9-12. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, providing relatively personalized attention compared to larger institutions.

Noble Street College Prep offers 14 different sports programs for student athletes. The school operates within the Chicago Public Schools system as one of 662 schools in the district.

According to state testing data, 12% of students demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and 12% in reading. The school follows an open enrollment policy, making it accessible to families throughout Chicago.

The Noble Network collectively serves over 12,000 students across 17 charter schools. The network has gained national recognition for its college access and persistence programs.

18. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools serves 2,212 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. This private, co-educational day school maintains a strong affiliation with the University of Chicago.

Nearly half of the students have parents who work as faculty or staff at the university. The school was established in 1896 by Professor John Dewey to explore progressive childhood education theories.

Laboratory Schools ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Illinois. The institution has operated for nearly 125 years, building a reputation for academic excellence.

The school emphasizes experiential learning, kindness, and diversity. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to nurture scholarship, curiosity, and creativity.

Recent achievements include their Model UN team winning Best Small Delegation at NAIMUN. Every team member placed in their respective committee, demonstrating the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

19. Pritzker College Prep

Pritzker College Prep stands as one of Chicago’s top-performing charter high schools. The school ranked #1 Best Charter in Illinois by Niche.com in 2022 and #2 by US News and World Report in 2023.

Located in the Hermosa neighborhood, Pritzker serves over 986 students in grades nine through twelve. The school opened in 2006 as part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools.

The school offers Advanced Placement courses and fields teams in 18 different sports. Students compete as the Jaguars in blue and orange colors.

Pritzker College Prep operates as a public four-year charter school with open enrollment. The school emphasizes college preparation and student success beyond graduation.

20. ICASTECH Charter High School

ICASTECH Charter High School serves students in Chicago with a focus on technology and innovation. The school emphasizes STEM education and career preparation.

Students at ICASTECH have access to technology-focused curriculum and programs. The school aims to prepare graduates for college and careers in technical fields.

The charter school operates under Chicago Public Schools authorization. ICASTECH provides students with hands-on learning experiences in technology and engineering disciplines.

The school offers smaller class sizes typical of charter schools. This allows for more individualized attention and support for students.

ICASTECH has established partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These connections provide students with internship opportunities and real-world experience in their fields of interest.

The school serves students from various neighborhoods across Chicago. Transportation options help students access the specialized programs offered at ICASTECH.

21. Curie Metropolitan High School

Marie Sklodowska Curie Metropolitan High School operates as a public magnet school in Chicago’s Archer Heights neighborhood. The school serves over 3,000 students in grades 9-12.

Curie offers three distinct academic programs. Students can choose from Technical, Performing Arts, or International Baccalaureate Programme tracks.

The school provides Advanced Placement courses alongside its International Baccalaureate options. This gives students multiple pathways to earn college credit while in high school.

Curie recently gained recognition by winning a $50,000 grant. The school earned the title of “World’s Best School” among five institutions worldwide.

The school ranks within the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools according to current state assessments. However, its specialized programs and recent international recognition demonstrate notable achievements in specific areas.

22. Mather High School

Stephen Tyng Mather High School serves 1,777 students in grades 9-12 in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood. The school opened in 1959 and operates under Chicago Public Schools District 299.

Mather offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.9 to 1. The school ranks 30th among 145 high schools within the Chicago Public Schools district.

The school’s mission emphasizes creating a safe, nurturing, and intellectually challenging environment. Students develop skills in compassion, creativity, wisdom, perseverance, and integrity through collaborative learning experiences.

Mather High School ranks in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools. Despite ranking challenges, the school continues serving its diverse student population in the West Ridge community.

The school was named after Stephen Mather, an industrialist and conservationist who became the first director of the National Park Service.

23. North Lawndale College Preparatory High School

North Lawndale College Preparatory High School serves as a charter college preparatory institution in Chicago’s North Lawndale community on the West Side. The school operates two public charter school campuses educating over 750 high school students.

The school’s mission focuses on preparing students from under-resourced communities for high school graduation. Students develop academic skills and personal resilience necessary for successful college completion.

North Lawndale College Prep has graduated nearly 2,000 alumni since its establishment. The school reports that 99% of graduates have been accepted to college programs.

The Phoenix serves as the school’s mascot, representing the NLCP Way philosophy. Current enrollment stands at approximately 377 students in grades 9-12.

The student-teacher ratio is 27 to 1. The school maintains deep ties to the North Lawndale community, addressing educational needs in an area that has faced economic challenges.

24. Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy

Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy is a tuition-free public charter school located in Chicago’s Humboldt Park area. The school opened in August 2007 as part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools.

The academy serves 348 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. It focuses specifically on math and science education, as reflected in its name and curriculum approach.

The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains 16 sports programs for student athletes. Their teams compete as the Masai Lions in gold, Columbia blue, and navy colors.

According to state test scores, 8% of students demonstrate proficiency in math and 5% in reading. The school operates within the Chicago Public Schools system while maintaining its charter status.

Rowe-Clark is situated at 3645 W. Chicago Avenue and serves students throughout the city through Chicago’s school choice options.

25. Prosser Career Academy

Prosser Career Academy is a public four-year vocational high school located in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The school opened in 1959 and operates under the Chicago Public Schools district.

The academy serves 1,451 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16.5 to 1. It offers nine Career & Technical Education pathways alongside academic programs.

Prosser provides both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). These programs emphasize creativity and critical thinking skills.

The school focuses on preparing students for early college and career credentials. Students can access Advanced Placement courses and various vocational training opportunities.

Located at 2148 North Long Avenue, Prosser Career Academy combines traditional academics with hands-on technical education. The school aims to equip students with practical skills for future employment while maintaining college preparatory standards.

26. Carver Military Academy High School

Carver Military Academy High School stands as a unique educational institution in Chicago’s public school system. The school operates under a military model that emphasizes leadership development and personal discipline.

Located in the Riverdale area on Chicago’s far south side, the academy serves 408 students in grades 9-12. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13.4 to 1, allowing for more personalized attention.

Originally opened in 1947 as Carver High School, the institution transformed into a military academy in August 2000. This conversion made it the first existing public high school in the nation to adopt a military structure.

The academy offers Advanced Placement courses and supports 17 different sports programs. Students receive personalized academic support within the structured military environment.

The school’s mission focuses on preparing cadets to become college-ready and active citizens through leadership training and academic rigor.

27. Harold Washington College High School

Harold Washington College High School operates as part of the City Colleges of Chicago system. The school serves students in Chicago’s downtown area.

The institution offers dual enrollment opportunities through partnerships with Chicago Public Schools. Students can take college-level courses in multiple subjects including mathematics, science, and humanities.

Class sizes tend to be smaller than traditional high schools. This allows for more individualized attention from faculty members.

The school provides career-focused programs alongside traditional academic coursework. Students can explore various pathways while completing their high school requirements.

Harold Washington College High School emphasizes college readiness preparation. The curriculum is designed to help students transition successfully to higher education or workforce entry.

The downtown location provides students access to internships and job opportunities. This urban setting offers unique advantages for career exploration and professional networking.

28. Beecher High School

Beecher High School serves 347 students in grades 9-12 in the southern Chicago suburb of Beecher. The school operates as the sole high school in the Beecher Community Unified School District 200U.

The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 with per-student spending of $13,350. These figures indicate adequate resource allocation for educational programs.

Academic participation shows 24% of students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. The school’s total minority enrollment stands at 30%.

Beecher High School ranks within the bottom 50% of Illinois public high schools based on state performance metrics. The institution faces challenges with a chronic absenteeism rate of 22.3%.

The school provides the primary high school education option for Beecher residents seeking public education within their local district.

29. Bogan High School

William J. Bogan Computer Technical High School operates as a public magnet school in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood. The school opened in 1959 and serves 677 students in grades 9-12.

Bogan High School offers International Baccalaureate programs and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The school functions as part of Chicago Public Schools District 299.

Academic performance data shows 5% of students achieve proficiency in math and 8% in reading based on state test scores. The school ranks in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.

The institution focuses on computer technology education while serving students on Chicago’s southwest side. Bogan High School is one of 184 high schools within the Chicago Public Schools system.

30. Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts

Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts is a public magnet school in Chicago’s South Side. The school serves 535 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.

The school combines rigorous core curriculum with specialized arts education. Students receive world-class arts training while preparing for college and careers through programs designed to foster creativity and critical thinking.

Dyett offers Advanced Placement courses as part of its academic program. The school operates within Chicago Public Schools District 299 and focuses on developing innovation and problem-solving skills.

The institution emphasizes both academic achievement and artistic development. Students have access to scholarship opportunities for college, with the school maintaining high standards for grades and GPA requirements.

As a magnet school, Dyett attracts students interested in pursuing arts education alongside traditional academic subjects.

What Sets Chicago’s Best High Schools Apart

Chicago’s top high schools distinguish themselves through competitive selective enrollment processes, exceptional academic outcomes that prepare students for college success, and comprehensive support systems that serve diverse student populations.

Selective Enrollment and Magnet Programs

Chicago’s elite high schools operate through a highly competitive selective enrollment system. Students must take the High School Admission Test and meet specific GPA requirements to gain entry.

Top Selective Enrollment Schools:

• Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
• Northside College Preparatory High School
• Jones College Prep High School

These schools accept only the highest-performing students citywide. Admission rates often fall below 10% for the most competitive programs.

Magnet programs offer specialized curricula in areas like STEM, arts, and international studies. Schools like Lincoln Park High School and Lane Tech College Prep focus on specific academic strengths.

The selective nature creates concentrated academic excellence. Students benefit from peer groups with similar motivation and ability levels.

Academic Performance and College Readiness

Chicago’s best high schools consistently achieve exceptional standardized test scores and graduation rates. Many schools report 95%+ graduation rates compared to the district average of approximately 82%.

Key Performance Indicators:

• SAT scores 200-300 points above state averages
• Advanced Placement participation rates exceeding 80%
• College enrollment rates above 90%

These schools offer extensive AP course catalogs with 20+ subjects available. Students regularly score 4s and 5s on AP exams at rates double the national average.

College counseling programs begin freshman year. Dedicated counselors maintain low student-to-counselor ratios, providing personalized guidance for college applications and scholarship opportunities.

Diversity and Student Support

Chicago’s top high schools draw students from across the city’s diverse neighborhoods. This geographic diversity creates multicultural learning environments with students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Support Services Include:

• Tutoring and academic intervention programs
• Mental health counseling and social workers
• Extended learning time and summer programs
• College preparation workshops

Many schools offer need-based support for college application fees and standardized testing costs. Free breakfast and lunch programs serve students from lower-income families.

Extracurricular opportunities span athletics, arts, debate, and academic competitions. These programs help students develop leadership skills and explore interests beyond core academics.

Schools maintain strong alumni networks that provide mentorship and internship opportunities for current students.

Navigating the Admissions Process

Chicago’s high school admissions process requires specific applications and testing requirements that vary by school type. Students must meet deadlines and understand selection criteria to maximize their chances of acceptance.

Application Requirements

Students apply to Chicago Public Schools through the GoCPS online system. The application deadline typically falls in early November each year.

Required Documents:

• Completed GoCPS application
• 7th grade report card
• Standardized test scores
• Attendance records

Selective enrollment schools require additional materials beyond the standard application. Students must submit portfolios or audition materials for specialized programs like arts or music.

Neighborhood schools accept students based on residential address verification. Charter schools have separate application processes with their own deadlines and requirements.

Parents must provide proof of residence within Chicago city limits. Documents like utility bills or lease agreements serve as acceptable verification.

Testing and Selection Criteria

Selective enrollment schools use a point-based system for admissions decisions. Students earn points from multiple assessment categories.

Selection Factors:

• High school entrance exam (HSPT or similar)
• 7th grade standardized test scores
• 7th grade GPA
• Attendance record

The entrance exam accounts for approximately 900 points out of 1,000 total possible points. Academic grades and attendance make up the remaining scoring components.

Different selective enrollment schools have varying score requirements. Top-tier schools like Walter Payton College Prep require scores near the maximum range.

Magnet schools focus on specific academic areas or themes. They may require additional assessments related to their specialized programs.

Tips for Prospective Students and Families

Students should prepare for entrance exams through practice tests and study materials. Many schools offer prep courses or tutoring services.

Preparation Strategies:

• Take practice exams multiple times
• Review math and reading fundamentals
• Maintain strong 7th grade attendance
• Complete applications early

Families should research multiple school options beyond their first choice. Applying to various school types increases acceptance chances.

Visit schools during open houses or information sessions. These events provide insights into school culture and academic programs.

Students should maintain consistent academic performance throughout 7th grade. Late improvements may not significantly impact admission scores.

Consider transportation logistics when selecting schools. Distance and commute times affect daily schedules and extracurricular participation.