Ways to Apply
Applications can be submitted during the fall application window or after the Rolling Waitlist opens.
Please see the home page for exact dates.
Online
Families can create or log into the GoCPS Portal to access the Online GoCPS Application. The online application is the preferred method of applying to GoCPS. This application is available in many languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Polish, etc.
Over the Phone
Families can call the GoCPS Hotline to apply over the phone. Please call 773-553-2060 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm while the application window is open during the fall.
Participating Schools
Charter Schools
Have Questions on Applying & Ways to Apply?
1
Select
CHOICE PROGRAMS
Select up to 20 Choice Schools. Only apply to schools you want to go to. You do not need to select the maximum of 20 schools unless you choose to.
SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT
Select up to 6 Academic Centers (grades 7-8). Select up to 6 Classical Schools or Regional Gifted Centers. Select up to 3 EL Regional Gifted Centers.
2
Rank
CHOICE PROGRAMS
Choice school selections are NOT ranked. The application will be added to the lottery of every choice program that a student applies to.
SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT
Rank programs in order of preference with most desired ranked first and least desired ranked last.
3
Results
CHOICE SCHOOLS
Receive up to 20 offers if qualified and seats are available.
SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT
Receive a single best offer in each category if qualified and seats are available.
If a student applies to any Selective Enrollment programs, they will be automatically prompted to schedule testing in the GoCPS application. Test scores will be released on the same date as initial offers/results.
How to Rank Programs
Rank the programs that are selected in the true order of preference. You will receive a single best offer for the highest-ranked program that is matched. Ranking a school higher does not increase your chances of getting an offer. Make sure to rank programs in the order that you would like to attend them.
Choice Elementary programs do not need to be ranked. Applicants will be considered for all programs for which they apply.
Changing School Choices
Students can change the schools that have been selected up until the application deadline. Changes can be made directly in a student’s GoCPS account or by calling the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060.
Re-Ranking
Families will now have an additional extension period after the application deadline to re-rank their choices. No re-ranking will be possible once the re-rank deadline has passed. Please see the GoCPS calendar for exact dates.
Have Questions on Selecting & Ranking Programs?
Next Phase
During the selection process, a computerized lottery will randomly fill the available seats at Choice schools, and the application system will try to place the student in the highest-ranked Selective Enrollment school on their application for which they qualify and that has available seats.
Contact Info Office of Access & Enrollment
773-553-2060
gocps@cps.edu
Chicago Public Schools
42 W. Madison St, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
