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High School Choice Programs

Choice programs offer a wide variety of academic specialties and provide an opportunity to attend a school or program outside your neighborhood school. A GoCPS application must be submitted to be considered for these programs.

GoCPS High School Choice Programs Explained

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How It Works

Students are selected for open seats via a random computerized lottery system or a points-based system and can receive a single best offer in the Choice category. Use the School Search Tool to find location, eligibility, admission, priority preference, selection system, and tier information.

Each applicant can apply for up to 20 programs on the application and must rank each program in the order of preference from most desired (1) to least desired.

Some programs may have eligibility requirements, including minimum GPA, admissions testing, auditions, etc...

Priority preferences (sibling, staff, proximity) may apply. Learn more and check the school profile page for details.

Assigned address tiers may apply.

If your child is currently in 9th grade and looking to transfer to another school for the current school year, they will need to complete the GoCPS application and enroll during the designated enrollment windows. Your child will not be transferred without participating in the GoCPS application and selection process.

Automatic Enrollment

Once a student is enrolled in a Choice program, they are automatically re-enrolled in the following grade for the next school year. This will continue until the student graduates.

Program Groups

When looking to see what options are available for high school, one important thing to note is that you will be applying to programs and not to schools. Below is the category breakdown of all the different types of programs available on the GoCPS application. Make sure to find the programs that interest your student and are the best fit.

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Search for Schools & Programs

The CPS School Search tool lets you filter, find, and compare GoCPS programs based on location, academic focus, and more. Each school’s profile page includes eligibility and selection criteria for all programs offered. Need help? View our Search Tips.

School Search

Office of Access & Enrollment (OAE)

773-553-2060

gocps@cps.edu

Chicago Public Schools
42 W. Madison St, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602