Find a School
Start your journey at CPS by finding the school or program that's right for your child. Chicago students can either attend the general education program of their neighborhood school or apply to attend nearly any school in the city that they are eligible for and that has available seats.
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Enroll in Your Neighborhood School
Students in grades K-12 have a guaranteed seat at the general education program in their neighborhood school. No GoCPS application is required. Please reach out to the school directly if you wish to enroll. Pre-K students are not guaranteed a seat in their neighborhood school and should apply through the Chicago Early Learning website.
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Apply to Nearly Any School in Chicago With GoCPS
GoCPS allows families to explore and apply to nearly any CPS school and program through one online platform. Research all of your school and program options, schedule appointments for admissions screenings, submit your application and receive your offers.
Apply By Grade
Our schools offer diverse curriculum and programs with high academic standards, instructional supports, and extracurricular activities for every child in every neighborhood from pre-K through 12th grade.
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Pre-K (Ages Birth – 5)
Pre-K opportunities provide young children with a strong foundation for future success in school and ignite a lifelong passion for learning through collaborating with families, sharing common goals, and setting high expectations. CPS, the City of Chicago, and their partners offer high-quality preschool and childcare programs at more than 600 sites across the city. Pre-K programs serve children who live in Chicago from birth to age five.
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Elementary (Grades K – 8)
Elementary schools focus on allowing children to develop social skills as well as cognitive and thinking skills. CPS is home to more than 470 elementary schools that offer a wide variety of program options to meet the academic interests of students. Elementary schools serve children who live in Chicago from kindergarten through eighth grade.
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High School (Grades 9 – 12)
High schools offer rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities, and counseling resources that help students plan and prepare for success in life after graduation. CPS is home to more than 160 high schools that offer a wide variety of program options to meet the academic interests of students. High schools serve children who live in Chicago from ninth through 12th grade. CPS students use the GoCPS enrollment tool to apply to ninth grade. Students applying or transferring to grades 10-12 should contact the school directly.
Enrollment Requirements
Find information you need to enroll a student in school for the first time.
GoCPS is your platform for exploring and applying to all district and charter high schools, and all district elementary schools. Research all of your school and program options, schedule appointments for admissions screenings, submit your application and receive your offers.
Chicago Early Learning (CEL) provides access to early childhood education options through both CPS and Community-Based programs. Explore high-quality early education options for every child from prenatal through 5 years old in every Chicago neighborhood.
Other Ways to Apply or Enroll
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Re-engagement to High School
Students who become disengaged from school are highly encouraged to re-engage at their last school of enrollment in order to maintain continuity in the educational setting. If a student or parent decides that the last school of enrollment is not the best fit, CPS provides several pathways for students to explore available options to get back on track to receive their high school diploma.
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Students in Temporary Living Situations
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas. CPS provides assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS).
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Virtual Academy
The Virtual Academy is a fully remote program that serves a limited number of students with a medical (physical & mental health) condition that would benefit from a virtual learning environment.
Search for a School
Find the right school for you with our searchable map. View detailed info about a school, including programs and admissions requirements, after school activities, family support services, and school performance reports.