Elementary school types

Every child is unique with different educational needs and interests. That’s why Chicago Public Schools offers a wide variety of choices for elementary school students.

Use the chart below to compare the differences among each school type. You can then view more details for each by clicking the corresponding links.

Overview	Approximate number of schools	Attendance boundary	Enrollment criteria
			Application type	Entrance exam	Details

Neighborhood This is your first option, since they generally serve students who live within a designated attendance boundary.	417 (View all)	Yes	Standard application	None	Out of boundary students may apply when space is available.



Charter Open to all Chicago children. These schools operate independently from the Board and each other.	22 (View all)	None	Contact school for specifics	None	Uses random lottery if there are more applications than available slots.



Classical Designed to provide a challenging liberal arts course of instruction for students with high academic potential.	4 (View all)	None	Yellow GEAP application	Yes	Admissions testing is required. All students applying for grades K-4 are tested. Students applying for grades 5-8 must qualify to take the admissions exam.



Magnet Specializes in a specific subject area, such as such as Montessori, International Baccalaureate, math and science, humanities, or dual language immersion.	35 (View all)	None	Standard application	None	Uses random lottery



Regional gifted center Provide an accelerated instructional program that place an emphasis on thinking, reasoning, problem solving and creativity.	12 (View all)	None	Yellow GEAP application	Yes	Admissions testing is required. All students applying for grades K-4 are tested. Students applying for grades 5-8 must qualify to take the admissions exam.



Small Fosters environment in which parents, teachers, and students get to know one another well.	2 (View all)	Yes	Contact school for specifics	None	Out of boundary students may apply when space is available.



Special education Schools for students with disabilities who reside in specified geographic locations.	9 (View all)	Varies by school	Contact school for specifics	None

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