Choosing A High School

Choosing a high school is an important decision in every student’s life. High school is a critical time for you to grow intellectually and personally. It also prepares you for college and provides skills to be used in the job market during this vital transition period into adulthood.

CPS wants to make sure that you and your parents/guardians have enough information to help make the most informed decision possible. CPS offers many different types of high schools—from charter schools to selective enrollment to College and Career Academies—which all prepare students for future success.

Application Workshops

To help in the application process, CPS is hosting four identical information sessions for 8th grade students and their families where we can help you identify the forms you need to complete, create your PIN number to apply online and evaluate what high school options may be best for you.

» Download our Application Workshop flyer

If you weren't able to attend any of the Information Sessions in September, you can download a copy of the presentation that was used.

High Schools at a Glance Guide

CPS has developed the High Schools at a Glance guide to help you and our parents quickly identify high schools and programs to consider and if needed, apply to. The guide includes:

• An overview of High Schools and Program Choices by Admission Procedure summarizing the various types of schools and programs by their admissions requirements.
• A detailed description of High School and Programs Types available to students by admissions procedure, application review organization, admissions requirements, admissions application deadline, and number of choices.
• A comprehensive chart of all High Schools organized by zone map, listing every high school and its three more important features: school type, school application procedure, and school program by application type.
• 33 Frequently Asked Questions by parents in previous application rounds.
• Download the High Schools at a Glance Guide.

Tips for Successful High School Selection

A. Match your interests and preferences to school academics, activities, sports, and culture

• Use the School / Program Search feature here on Choose Your Future.
• Review each school’s website and/or contact school to schedule a visit
• Attend an Open House for every school you are interested in October
• Check school performance at http://research.cps.k12.il.us/cps/accountweb/iam_Parent/
• Talk to your grade school counselor

B. Match your academics to schools application requirements

• A number of schools have specific pre-eligibility requirements (including a minimum 7th grade ISAT stanines and grades) and/or application processes (exams, interviews, letters of recommendation, etc).
• Review the "High Schools at a Glance" guide for additional information

C. Take into consideration your travel time in your selection

• Tardiness can have a negative impact on student’s learning and attendance records
• Go to CTA transit locator and estimate commute time to school choices

D. Select at least 5 school choices in various application processes, including your Neighborhood school

• Consider different school types throughout Chicago
• Consider different types of programs within schools
• Note that some schools may require an application for the school and program
• Speak to other students and their parents who have done the process before

Online Application and PIN Numbers

https://apply.cps.edu/

Online Resources for Additional Information

• Chicago Public Schools website:
  • High Schools Descriptions: www.cps.edu/Schools/High_schools/Pages/HighSchools.aspx
    "Selecting a High School" page. Go to CPS home page, www.cps.edu, under Tell me About list.
• here on the Choose Your Future website:
  • College and Career Academies: www.chooseyourfuture.org/college-and-career-academies
  • AVID: www.chooseyourfuture.org/avid and nationally: www.avidonline.org
  • Use the School / Program Search feature
• School Locator (to find your neighborhood high school): http://schoollocator.cps.k12.il.us
• Information about Selective Enrollment, Military Academies, IB programs, Magnet schools and Options for Knowledge guide: www.cpsoae.org
• Military Academies and JROTC: www.chicagojrotc.com
• Charter Schools: www.cps.edu/Schools/High_schools/Pages/Charter.aspx
• Office of Special Education and Supports: www.cpsspecialeducation.org