October 2, 2009

Chicago Public Schools officials announced today that the application period for magnet, gifted and selective enrollment schools and programs will continue as planned, despite a recent federal court decision that lifted a 30-year old desegregation consent decree.

On September 24, 2009, the federal court vacated the CPS desegregation consent decree. As a result of that ruling, the race-based criteria referenced in the Options for Knowledge Guide, applications, and other materials related to the 2010-2011 application process will not be used to make admission decisions. Alternate admission procedures are currently being developed and will be available for public comment in the near future.

“While this recent decision changes our application procedures slightly, the school district and the Board of Education remain committed to creating high-quality, diverse learning environments for our students,” said CPS Chief Executive Officer Ron Huberman. “Our magnet, gifted and selective enrollment programs will continue to challenge our students, provide them with the opportunity to excel in the classroom, and allow them the chance to further their education.”

The application period for magnet, selective enrollment and gifted schools and programs began Thursday, October 1, 2009, and ends Friday, December 18, 2009.

Standard applications and Gifted and Enriched Academic Programs (GEAP) applications can be found in the district’s Options for Knowledge Guide, maintained by the Office of Academic Enhancement. The Options for Knowledge Guide contains information on the magnet, selective enrollment and gifted schools and programs, as well as how to apply to these schools and programs.

The guide also identifies the schools and programs by type, includes helpful tips for applying, and outlines the new application submission procedures for GEAP schools and selective enrollment high schools.

However, since the Options for Knowledge Guide was printed before the federal court decision was made, it still contains language referencing the use of race in the selection process. All information regarding racial and ethnic selection guidelines or minority transfer programs that were governed by the consent decree is now obsolete and should be disregarded.

Parents, guardians and general members of the public will have an opportunity to give input on the new application procedures to be determined by the Board of Education. While race will no longer be a factor in these procedures, it is likely that sibling and proximity considerations will be maintained.

Parents can obtain the Options for Knowledge Guide and applications for magnet and gifted schools and programs at the CPS Elementary School Fair, Saturday, October 3, at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren St., and applications for selective enrollment schools at the CPS High School Fair, Saturday, October 10, at McCormick Place. 

In addition, the Options guide and all applications can be obtained by mail, upon request, from Academic Enhancement by calling (773) 553-2060 or online.  

For information related to the development of the new policy, and to find out how to provide input on the new selection process, please visit our News section or check visit Academic Enhancement's website.

Parents with questions about this year’s application process are encouraged to contact Academic Enhancement at (773) 553-2060.

About CPS

Chicago Public Schools serves approximately 407,000 students in 666 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.