High school types

Every child is unique with different educational needs and interests. That’s why Chicago Public Schools offers a wide variety of choices for high school students.

Use the chart below to compare the differences among each school type. You can then view more details for each by clicking the corresponding links.

Overview	Approximate number of schools	Attendance boundary	Enrollment criteria
			Application type	Entrance exam	Details

Neighborhood This is your first option, since they generally serve students who live within a designated attendance boundary.	47 (View all)	Yes	Standard application	None	Out of boundary students must apply in order to be considered.



Career academy Students receive a college-preparatory curriculum and a career-focused education in different fields.	4 (View all)	Varies by school	College/Career Academies application	None	Students selected by test scores.



Charter These schools are independently operated and not subject to the same state laws, district initiatives, and board policies as traditional public schools.	46 (View all)	None	Contact school for specifics	None	Uses a random lottery if there are more applications than available slots.



Contract Contract schools are public schools open to all CPS students. These schools are operated by private entities under contract with CPS to provide an additional education option for students.	4 (View all)	None	Contact school for specifics	None	Uses random lottery if there are more applications than available spaces.



Magnet Specializes in a specific subject area such as Montesorri, International Baccalaureate, math and science, humanities or dual language immersion.	7 (View all)	None	Standard application OR Contact school for specifics	None	Uses random lottery.



Military academy For students who wish to develop leadership and team-building skills as well as receive military training.	6 (View all)	None	Selective Enrollment/Military Academies application	None	Requires an admission interview. Acceptance based on academic achievement.



Selective enrollment Designed to meet the needs of Chicago’s most academically-advanced students.	10 (View all)	None	Selective Enrollment/Military Academies application	Yes



Small School population limited to 600 students.	17 (View all)	Yes	Contact school for specifics	None	Priority for students living within the boundary. Students outside of boundaries can apply if space is available.



Special education Provides individualized education.	4 (View all)	Varies by school	Contact school for specifics	None

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