Photo courtesy Mireya Acierto.
Application season has begun at the Chicago Public Schools. During this time, parents can apply to both new and existing schools throughout the District. Application period runs from Oct. 1, 2009 – Dec. 18, 2009. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 18, 2009, to be considered. Review the steps below to learn more about our school application process.
Step 1: Do your homework
It's important for both you and your child learn more about the schools that he or she would like to apply to. Our programs consist of magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, open enrollment schools, regional gifted centers, classical schools, academic centers, international gifted programs (formerly IB preparatory programs), and Selective Enrollment high schools. We also feature several special within-school programs. Most schools select students through computerized lotteries, while some schools, which are designed for academically advanced students, require participation in a testing process.
You can learn more about our schools and applications two ways: 1) View the 
Options for Knowledge guide, or 2) find your school, school type (Elementary or High school) or program that piques your interest online.
Step 2: Download an application
For most schools, you will complete a Standard application and send it directly to the school(s) in which you are interested. Download Standard applications below:
English
Spanish
For Regional Gifted Centers, Classical Schools, Academic Centers, and International Baccalaureate Preparatory Program schools, you must complete a Gifted and Enriched Academic Programs (GEAP) application and follow the directions on the application. Download a GEAP application below:
Special high school applications
While most high schools accept the Standard or GEAP applications (available above), there are a select few who require a different application.
School-based applications
Some high schools only accept school-based applications, meaning that the Standard or GEAP application will not be accepted for admittance into this select group of schools. Instead parents must contact these schools and request that an application be sent via mail. Deadlines for these applications vary.
College and Career Academy applications
New for this fall: College and Career Academies open with citywide boundaries. Download the College and Career Academy application below:
English
Spanish
Please note: Charter schools, Military Academies and Selective Enrollment high schools use a separate application as well. Contact New Schools at (773) 553-1530 and Academic Enhancement at (773) 553-2060 for more information about these applications.
Step 3: Contact us with your questions
The deadline to submit applications for the 2010-2011 school year is Dec. 18, 2009. Do you have questions about the application process? Contact Academic Enhancement at (773) 553-2060, College and Career Preparation at (773) 553-2108, or New Schools at (773) 553-1530 for more information.
Step 4: Submit your application
The deadline to submit applications for the 2010-2011 school year is Dec. 18, 2009. Follow the submission guidelines on each application.
Resources
For more information, contact Academic Enhancement at (773) 553-2060, College and Career Preparation at (773) 553-2108, or New Schools at (773) 553-1530.
View additional resources:
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