Principal Candidate Pool
The CPS Principal Candidate Pool (Pool) is the District's talent bench for Principals. Members of the Pool are individuals who have met the minimum qualifications to become a CPS Principal. Membership in the Pool is a requirement to obtain a Principal position in district-governed schools in alignment with the CPS Principal Eligibility Policy (Policy). View a list of members on the CPS Principal Candidate Pool website. Please note, not all eligible members are included on the list.
Principal Eligibility Process
Successful completion of the CPS Principal Eligibility (Eligibility) process is a requirement to become a member of the Pool and, thus, a CPS principal. Aspiring principals must pass the Eligibility process before they can be selected for a contract, interim, or acting principal position. This applies to all candidates, internal and external alike, and ensures that schools have the most qualified principal candidates prepared to succeed from the first day on the job.
The Eligibility process requires current and aspiring principals to demonstrate evidence of leadership experience related to the CPS School Leadership Framework that have resulted in positive school-wide student outcomes across multiple grade levels and subject areas.
Applications to the next cycle of the Principal Eligibility Process will open on January 5, 2026, and close on January 19, 2026
The January 2026 Principal Eligibility Process will be a revised version of the process that measures to adapt to the new School Leader Framework. If you are interested in applying, you can find additional information on the process, including FAQs and information on applying for the abbreviated process, on this accompanying site.
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Principal Quality at cpsleaders@cps.edu.
January 2026 Cycle Key Dates:
Step 1: Online Application
The application link can be found on the Principal Eligibility’s accompanying website.
- January 6, 2026: Online Application Opens
- January 19, 2026 by 8:00 a.m.: Online Application Closes
- January 28, 2026 by the end of the day: Fingerprinting and all verifications are due
Step 2: On-site Assessment
- February 9 - February 27, 2026: On-Site Assessment (tentative based on the number of applicants)
Information Sessions
Informational sessions are being offered on the following dates.
- December 16, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- January 6, 2026
To attend an informational session, please sign up here
Mission: Identify, develop, support, and retain strong principal leaders who are dedicated to student success in CPS.
Vision: Every Chicago Public School has a strong leader providing opportunities for all students to achieve their fullest potential.