CHICAGO SCHOOLS
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Tips to Navigate the Chicago Education Scene
Waiting lists, Magnet schools, selective enrollment, open enrollment, gifted, classical: these are some of the most stress-inducing words parents of school-aged children can hear. And, if you’ve just purchased a home in a new city or neighborhood, you’ve got the added burden of not knowing where to begin to find the right school for your family.
Choosing a school used to be simple. You went to the public, private, or faith-based school in your neighborhood. But now, with so many Chicago Public School classifications and limited space in the city, how is a parent supposed to figure out what program is right for their child? In addition, every school may have a different admissions process. Some require testing, visits, and strict deadlines, while others depend on availability or just simply the luck of the draw.
A great school system can influence where you decide to live. As we’ve discussed above, in Chicago, the public school system (CPS) includes a wide variety of programs for students attending Pre-K, Elementary School, and High School. Terri knows how important it is to understand the different programs offered and that every child is different. Whether you prefer, public, private or faith-based, she’s here to help you navigate the education system and answer your questions.
Here, we provide some basic tips to help you determine the right fit for your family.
Where to Begin
Before parents begin their search, they should consider a number of school selection factors and how each will affect their children and their family as a whole. These factors may include the learning style of each child, location of and transportation to the different schools, services for special needs, availability of before and after school programs, and class size. In addition, parents should research each school’s average test scores, community and parental involvement, standards for student behavior and how technology is used in the school. Once parents have prioritized their needs, it’s time for the search to begin.
School Websites
If the school has an e-mail list, add your name so you’ll know about upcoming events and deadlines.
Open Houses
Looking at High Schools? Attend as many open houses as you can. This is great opportunity to see the school, meet the teachers and talk to students and parents about curriculum, extracurricular activities, sports programs, tuition, financial aid, etc. Open houses usually take place in October and November. Depending on the popularity of the school, expect to wait in long lines inside and outside.
High School Fairs
Shadow Programs
For high schools, students will usually shadow with a freshman. If you know someone at the school, you can request to shadow with that person. Some high schools have certain days set aside just for specific elementary schools. Check with your grade school to see if there is a scheduled day so your child can shadow with his classmates. Most elementary schools offer a number of excused absences to participate in shadow programs. Consider using days your elementary school has off to shadow at high schools. Always take into account your child’s exam schedule, field trips, etc., before planning a shadow day. Some high schools only allow 8th graders to shadow, while others have particular times of the year for 7th graders. Shadow days begin as early as September and run throughout the year. Check each school’s website to register or call the admissions director. Days fill up fast, so make sure to do it soon. Many schools have specific dress codes and will expect your child to follow their guidelines. Remember, this is also an opportunity for your child to make an impression.
Don’t limit your child to just one school. There are many options in the city from public and catholic, to independent and performing arts related schools.
Schedule a Tour
Learn More with Play Dates
Special Events
Fall is a great time to learn more about a high school’s sports program. Whether it’s a varsity football game, track meet, soccer match or volleyball game, you can get a good feel for the school’s campus, as well as student and parent involvement. Some schools have sports and performing arts related nights specifically for kids in 6th – 8th grade. In addition, over holiday breaks and summer vacation, many schools offer academic, sport, and performance camps for elementary school students. This is another excellent way for your child to get to know the school, the teacher and students.
Be Flexible
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. And, don’t assume higher tuition means a better education. Consider all your options, including location. Sometimes, the small neighborhood school could be the best thing for your child. Or, a school outside of your area might have an opening. Don’t be afraid to look beyond your neighborhood. In Chicago, children travel across the city to attend school. Many schools offer transportation options. You can also find other families in your area to arrange carpools. Depending on the age of your child, public transportation is also an option.
For some elementary schools, it’s best to apply to pre-k and go from there. However, don’t despair. Often, by middle school, spots do open up. So, keep in touch with school officials and stay up-to-date on the application process each year.
Financial Aid
Talk to your Child
Depending on your child’s age, ask him or her to create a few lists after every event: schools they like, top reasons they like the school, dislikes about the school. When looking at high schools, this is a good time to begin the conversation about the fact that not everyone will go to the same school. It’s important for your child to know that he or she needs to find the place that is right for him or her and that might be different from his friends.
Application Deadlines!
Chicago Parents Schools Guide
When purchasing a new home, there are many factors to consider. A great public school system can influence where you decide to live. In Chicago there are a wide variety of programs and school options for students attending Pre-K, Elementary School, and High School. Having raised three children in the city, Terri knows how important it is to understand the different programs offered. She’s here to help you navigate the education system. Here, we provide a brief summary of Chicago Public School (CPS) programs, as well as faith-based and independent schools. For application information and detailed information about specific schools, visit the following websites:
- Chicago Public Schools
- Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
- Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
With the tools on these websites, you can search by zip code or name of school. The CPS site includes school profiles and additional data. The other sites include contact and general information about the various faith-based and independent schools in Chicago.
While the Chicago public school system offers many options for pre-k, elementary and high school students, it can be quite complicated. Here, we’ll break down the options to give you a head start!
The first and easiest option is your neighborhood school. This is determined by specific boundaries. Generally, any student living within those boundaries can attend that neighborhood school . Anyone who lives within the neighborhood boundaries can enroll at any time. You do not need to submit an application in advance, but it is recommended as early applications assist administrators in meeting the needs of their students.
No matter when you register, you will need documentation verifying your child’s age and proof of current address.
If you are not sure about the location of your neighborhood public school, visit the CPS locator site.
CPS also includes other school. These schools may require applications, testing, or participation in a lottery system.
Let’s break down your options by stage of education, including Pre-k, elementary, high school, and more.
The CPS Birth to Three Programs (pre-k)
CPS funds early childhood education programs through both schools and community-based organizations across the city to provide high quality environments where certified early childhood educators support children’s health and development.
School Based Programs include half day (2.5 to 3 hours long) and full day options. They provide a standardized curriculum: Creative Curriculum Literacy Approach is used in all classrooms, providing a research-based structure to support student growth and learning. The school-based programs are free of charge for children with special needs, children in temporary living situations, and income-eligible families. They may have a required fee based on the income of the parents or legal guardians.
Tuition-Based Preschool Programs
These programs are full-day and offered to children ages 3 and 4 years old in a limited number of elementary schools. Registration for these programs occurs at the school building.
Child Parent Centers
Focus on the needs of the entire family and emphasize the importance of continuity from preschool through 3rd Grade.
Selective Enrollment & Montessori
To learn more about how to apply for selective enrollment and Montessori programs, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment.
For a complete list of programs, visit the Chicago Early Learning website. You can also call the Chicago: Ready to Learn! Hotline at (312) 229-1690 to find out more information about programs that best meet your family’s needs.
Faith-based and Independent Early Childhood Programs
The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools go through a rigorous evaluation process and are accredited by AdvancED. Their early childhood programs follow Illinois State Board of Education Early Learning Standards and Kindergarten Standards. The learning environment meets nationally recognized criteria for high quality such as those set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Their schools offer a variety of schedules – full day, half day, five days a week, two or three days a week, morning groups and/or afternoon groups.
Elementary Schools in Chicago
There are three main types of schools to which you can apply – Choice Schools, Selective Enrollment and Charter Elementary Schools.
Choice Schools include: Open Enrollment Schools, Magnet Schools, and Magnet Cluster Schools.
Open enrollment schools accept students who live within their neighborhood attendance boundary. Available seats for students who live outside of the boundary are filled through the application and computerized lottery selection process. Generally, all students who live within this area may attend the school.
Magnet Schools These are schools that specialize in one particular area, such as math/science, Montessori, or Humanities. In most cases, magnet schools do not have neighborhood attendance boundaries. Seats are filled through the application and computerized lottery selection process.
Magnet Cluster Schools A neighborhood school that specializes in one particular area of the curriculum, such as technology, world language, or fine and performing arts. Magnet cluster schools accept students who live within their neighborhood attendance boundary. Available seats for students who live outside of the boundary are filled through the application and computerized lottery selection process.
Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools Selective enrollment schools include five types of schools/programs: Regional Gifted Centers, Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners, Classical Schools, the International Gifted Program, and Academic Centers (Grades 7-8). These schools are designed for academically advanced students and offer a rigorous curriculum with mainly honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Acceptance is based on application and entrance exam.
Elementary Charter Schools These are CPS elementary schools approved by the Chicago Board of Education. They are open to all Chicago children, but operate independently from the Board and each other. Acceptance is based on application and random lottery, if applicable.
Faith-based and Independent Elementary Schools
The best way to begin your search is by visiting each school’s website. Pay particular attention to specific guidelines and enrollment deadlines for registering or applying for admissions. To locate a Catholic School near you, use the Archdiocese Find an Elementary School Search.
The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) is a membership organization of more than 235 independent schools from 13 states of the Midwest region. Member schools must follow specific standards common to all independent schools. Accreditation by ISACS is assurance to the public that these standards have been met and that the school’s success in meeting these standards is periodically reviewed. Visit the ISACS website for a list of schools in the Chicago area.
CPS High Schools
CPS offers a wide variety of high school options. These include designated neighborhood high schools where students living in that area are guaranteed a spot in the general education program. Students do not need to apply to attend their neighborhood programs.
Some schools offer special programs: World Language, Fine and Performing Arts, and Information Technology. These you need to apply to for entrance. CPS separates its school programs into two categories: Selective Enrollment and Choice Programs. There are 11 Selective Enrollment schools located throughout the city:
- Brooks
- Hancock
- Jones
- Lane
- Lindblom
- King
- Northside
- Payton
- South Shore
- Westinghouse
- Whitney Young
All other programs are considered Choice programs.
Charter High Schools
Independently operated, these schools are authorized by CPS or the State Charter School Commission under Illinois Charter Schools Law. These charter schools are funded and monitored by the Chicago Public Schools district, but can exercise autonomy over many student-related policies. Charter schools are governed by school-selected Boards of Directors and operate under contractual agreements with the authorizing entity.
Chicago High Schools Selection Factors:
A combination of factors are considered for available seats in the 9th grade:
- The order each program is ranked on their application
- The number of seats available in each program
- The program’s selection process (lottery or point system)
- Possible priority preferences (e.g. siblings attending school, proximity to school, etc.)
- Results from any required admissions screenings or supplementary requirements (e.g. testing, auditions, essays, etc.)
During the selection process, the application system will try to match the student with their top-ranked Choice Program and their top-ranked Selective Enrollment Program. If all the available seats at the student’s top-ranked program are filled by students that ranked higher based on the school’s admissions process or priority preferences, the system will try to match the student with their next highest choice. This process continues until the student receives an offer or the student is considered for all of the programs on their application and does not qualify for any.
The High School process is divided into 5 phases with corresponding dates each year. These include:
- Learn (approximately May – October)
- Search (approximately June – October)
- Explore (approximately August – October)
- Apply (approximately October – December and May – June)
- Selection (approximately March – June)
Students can apply to attend any high school program at any school using GoCPS as long as they meet the minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for that program. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements for some programs, students must have scores from the NWEA MAP as administered by Chicago Public Schools. CPS students are administered the NWEA MAP at their schools and non-CPS families can register for the NWEA MAP by visiting GOCPS.
Once a family activates their GoCPS account, they will see a list of all the programs to which they are eligible to apply. The application process involves selecting and ranking the desired programs. Applicants can choose and rank up to 20 Choice Programs and 6 Selective Enrollment programs. Applicants will receive a single best offer to the highest-ranked Choice and/or Selective Enrollment program for which they are qualified and seats are available.
Faith-based and Independent High Schools
The Archdiocese of Chicago lists over 30 Catholic high schools. They boast a graduation rate of more than 98 percent, with 96 percent of graduates going on to college.
Catholic High Schools require an admissions test. The Catholic High School Entrance Exam is usually given in early December. Students must register for the test and take it where they wish to attend. Visit the school’s website for information on the pre-registration process. There is an entrance exam fee. Visit the Archdiocese’s Find a School locator to find a high school where you want to take the test.
The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) is a membership organization of more than 235 independent schools from 13 states of the Midwest region. Member schools must follow specific standards common to all independent schools. Accreditation by ISACS is assurance to the public that these standards have been met and that the school’s success in meeting these standards is periodically reviewed. Visit the ISACS website for a list of schools in the Chicago area.
Need assistance finding a school in your area? Check out these websites for more information:
- Chicago Public Schools
- Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
- Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
Terri knows how important school challenges and decisions are for every parent. This guide will continue to be updated on a regular basis to keep it fresh and relevant for you, the Chicago home buyer.
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