GoCPS
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 school for you.
Ready to Start Your Application Process?
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.
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.
The Application Process is
Divided into Three Phases
Explore
Summer 2024
Elementary | High School
Apply
Fall 2024
Elementary | High School
Results
Spring 2025
Elementary | High School
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.
Important Dates
High School Important Dates
- SEPTEMBER 24th, 2024 - Application Period Opens
- OCTOBER 9th, 2024 - HSAT Exam for CPS Students
- OCTOBER 19-20th, 26-27th, 2024 - HSAT Exam for Non-CPS Students
- DECEMBER 15th, 2024 - Application Period Closes
- MARCH 14th, 2025 - Results Released
- MARCH 19th, 2025 - SEHS Principal Discretion Process Opens
- APRIL 4th, 2025 - Accept/Decline Deadline
- APRIL 4th, 2025 - SEHS Principal Discretion Application Closes
- APRIL 21st, 2025 - Rolling Waitlist Process Opens
- MAY 2nd, 2025 - SEHS Principal Discretion Results Released
- 2 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER OFFER ISSUED - Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Elementary School Important Dates
- SEPTEMBER 24th, 2024 - Application Period Opens
- DECEMBER 15th, 2024 - Application Period Closes
- APRIL 11th, 2025 - Results Released
- MAY 2nd, 2025 - Accept/Decline Deadline
- MAY 19th, 2025 - Rolling Waitlist Process Opens
- 2 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER OFFER ISSUED - Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Pre-K Important Dates
- All SY 25-26 CPS preschool seats are a part of the Chicago Early Learning application process.
- SPRING 2025 - Application Period Opens
- SPRING 2025 - Live Selections Opens
- To receive SY25-26 preschool application updates, please subscribe to our newsletter by visiting cps.edu/ChicagoEarlyLearning/connect/.
Search for Schools & Programs
Subscribe to the GoCPS Mailing List
If you have a student applying to attend a CPS high school, elementary school or magnet pre-k program, subscribe to our mailing list to receive important information and updates about the application process. Submit the form multiple times if you would like to receive the updates for more than one grade level.
Contact Info Office of Access & Enrollment
773-553-2060
gocps@cps.edu
Chicago Public Schools
42 W. Madison St, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
