October is the month that starts the Chicago Public School selective enrollment process. The process is very competitive, so it is ver important keep track of dates, fill out the application before the deadlines, make your school choices and have a back up plan.
What is a selective enrollment high school?
Selective enrollment high schools are schools that are designed to meet the needs of academically advanced students. The schools offer a challenging program with mainly honors and advanced placement (AP) courses. Thousands of parents and their children apply for these schools but there are not enough seats.
What does CPS base its decision on who gets to attend these selective enrollment high schools?
The decision is made at the central office and they look at three key things: your student's 7th grade scores, their 7th grade standardized test scores (like the ISAT) and their selective enrollment test scores. Your student must do well in all three areas to have a chance.
What is the minimum 7th grade standardized test scores must my student have to be invited to take the selective enrollment test?
In order to take the selective enrollment test your student must have a minimum of stanine 5, in both reading and math, on the student's most recent standardized test. English Language Learners or Special Education students with an existing IEP meet our minimum requirements for examination if they have a combined stanine of 10 in reading and math. All IEPs must be on file prior to the application deadline in order for students to receive testing accommodations. There are no retroactive accommodations.
How are the available seats in a school allocated?
The first 30% of available seats at each school are filled strictly according to the student scores – also referred to as the “rank” score – the seats are filled by the top-scoring students. The remaining seats are equally distributed among four "socio-economic" tiers and are filled by the highest-scoring students in each tier.
What are these four "socio-economic"tiers?
CPS no longer considers race as a selection factor. Instead CPS has divided the city into four (4) tiers based on the socio-economic conditions of the city called tiers. There are four (4) tiers. Tier one (1) represents the poorest areas of the city. Tier four (4) represents the most affluent areas of the city. The idea is the top students in poor neighborhoods compete against students from other poor areas to qualify to enter one of these selective enrollment high schools. The same is true for students living in areas that are less poor compete with students from the same economic level. To find out what tier you are in and a more complete explanation about tiers from CPS click here.
Do I need a back up plan?
Yes. Even very good students might not get selected. You need to apply at other good quality CPS or private schools. International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are good alternatives for motivated students. They are just as competitive as the selective enrollment and provides a great preparation for college.
Where can I get more information?
Important CPS Dates: See Important Dates Link:
