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  • The 26-27 GoCPS Application is Available!

    The GoCPS application will close at 5PM on November 14, 2025. Get started with the button below.

    Get Started

    Want to learn more about the K-9 application process? Watch our tutorial videos for High School or Elementary School.

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  • Sign up for GoCPS Family Trainings!

    Our office will be hosting a number of informative family training sessions on the elementary and HS application process. Register below!

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  • CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT) schedule available for those applying to the 26-27 school year!

    Current CPS & Charter students:
    HSAT (English): Wednesday, October 8, 2025

    Alternative Language Testing (Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Polish, Spanish, Urdu): Wednesday, October 15, 2025

    Non-CPS students:
    October 18-19th and October 25-26th, 2025

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Welcome to GoCPS

GoCPS allows families to explore and apply to nearly every CPS school and program through one online platform. Whether you are a current CPS family or new to the District, GoCPS is the gateway to finding the right K-9 program* for your student.

*Students looking to transfer during 10-12th grade do not apply through GoCPS and can contact schools directly regarding transfer criteria and availability.

View additional GoCPS videos: High School | Elementary

Important Dates

2025-2026 School Year

High School

  • SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2025 - Application Period Opens
  • OCTOBER 8th, 2025 - HSAT Exam for CPS Students
  • OCTOBER 15th, 2025 - Alternative Language HSAT for Current CPS/Charter Students
  • OCTOBER 18th-19th and 25th-26th, 2025 - HSAT Exam for Non-CPS Students (Registration Required)
  • NOVEMBER 14th, 2025 - Application Period Closes

Elementary School

  • SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2025 - Early Entrance to Kindergarten and First Grade Application Opens
  • OCTOBER 15th, 2025 - Application for Single-Subject and Whole Grade Acceleration Opens
  • NOVEMBER 14th, 2025 - Early Entrance to Kindergarten and First Grade Application Closes
  • DECEMBER12th, 2025 - Application for Single-Subject and Whole Grade Acceleration Closes

Pre-K

All CPS preschool seats are a part of the Chicago Early Learning application process.

To receive preschool application updates, please subscribe to our newsletter by visiting cps.edu/ChicagoEarlyLearning/connect/.

Ready to Start Your Application Process?

The Application Process is Divided into Three Phases

1

Explore

Summer


Elementary | High School

2

Apply

Fall


Elementary | High School

3

Results

Spring


Elementary | High School

High School

CPS is home to more than 160 high schools that offer a wide variety of program options to meet the academic interests of students. We want all of our families to attend the school that is the best fit for their needs, so students can either attend the general education program of the neighborhood school in the attendance boundary of their primary home address, or apply to attend any high school in the city that they are eligible for and that has available seats.

Get Started With High School

Elementary School

Chicago Public Schools is home to more than 470 elementary schools that offer a wide variety of program options to meet the academic interests and needs of students. Families have the option to either attend the programs in their neighborhood school or apply to attend any elementary school in the city.

Get Started with Elementary

Elementary School

Chicago Public Schools is home to more than 470 elementary schools that offer a wide variety of program options to meet the academic interests and needs of students. Families have the option to either attend the programs in their neighborhood school or apply to attend any elementary school in the city.

Get Started with Elementary

Pre-K

All of the CPS preschools in the city accept applications through a separate website called Chicago Early Learning (CEL). Chicago Early Learning provides access to early childhood education options through both CPS and Community-Based programs.

Visit Chicago Early Learning

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Search for Schools & Programs

The CPS School Search tool lets you filter, find, and compare GoCPS programs based on location, academic focus, and more. Each school’s profile page includes eligibility and selection criteria for all programs offered. Need help? View our Search Tips.

School Search

Connect With Us

Contact Info Office of Access & Enrollment

773-553-2060
gocps@cps.edu


Chicago Public Schools
42 W. Madison St, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602

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