Spotlight

New application process

The Options for Knowledge school application is available

October 01, 2010

The application process for the school year on this page is now closed. Please visit the OAE application page for information about the 2012-2013 application process. Thank you.

The 2011-2012 applications for Options for Knowledge schools are now available. This year, applying to Options for Knowledge schools and programs has been made easier. Parents will be able to take advantage of a new online process to apply to Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (formerly GEAP), Selective Enrollment High Schools, Military Academies, and College and Career Academies.

Paper applications will still be available, but parents are encouraged to use the online process, which was designed to provide faster and more efficient processing of applications, while improving communication.

The application period for the 2011-2012 school year officially begins on October 1st—you will be able to identify the schools and programs where you want to apply, and immediately submit your application online. But you can get started today!

To start the online process, go to www.apply.cps.edu Opens in a new window icon . Your first step is to set up an account and apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN will be mailed to your home and will be used in lieu of a parent signature. You will only need one PIN, no matter how many children in your family will be applying, or how many different types of available programs. The PIN will be used on a one-time-only basis to continue the application process.

This year we are taking the first step to centralize applications for magnet schools and programs. In subsequent years, the application process for these schools will also be online.

CPS is planning to host information sessions on high school options and application processes in early November. Keep checking www.cps.edu and www.cpsoae.org Opens in a new window icon during the next few days for updates and more information on the new application processes for this year.

The deadline for submitting all applications is December 17, 2010.

Before you submit your application, here are a few tips to help you with the application process.

Schools

Consider all types of schools—not just magnet schools, and not just the schools that you already know about. Magnet cluster schools and open enrollment schools offer many excellent options for parents and students.

Do not apply to just one or two schools.
Do not submit applications to schools that you would not want your child to attend if he or she is selected.
Do your homework to find out more about the schools before you submit your applications. There are several ways to do this:
- Review a school's test scores, which can be found online in our Find a school section.
- Attend a school's open house (call the school to find out if they are having one).
- Set up an appointment to tour the school and talk with the principal or counselor about the school.
- Talk to parents who have children enrolled in the school.
- Take a tour of the neighborhood.

CPS ID

CPS ID is a student's Chicago Public Schools identification number, which is assigned to each student enrolled in the Chicago Public Schools system. If a child does not attend a Chicago public school, he/she does not have a Chicago Public Schools identification number and should, therefore, place "99999999" on the application, as directed.

Deadline

Do not wait until the last day to mail (or submit online) your applications; this will ensure that all materials are delivered on time and to the appropriate people.