Alerts Sign-up
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has opened the GoCPS application window for the 2026-27 school year. Students entering kindergarten through ninth grade and their families can submit applications to a range of schools and specialized programs across Chicago until 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025.
“District students and families can explore the full range of school options available through the GoCPS website and apply to the schools that best meet their needs,” said Interim CPS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “Our goal is to provide families with clear, accessible information to support this important decision. Regardless of the school a student ultimately attends, they will receive a high-quality education and support.”
Programs available through GoCPS include selective enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM, Fine and Performing Arts, Service Leadership Academies, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Dual-Language programs, among others.
To assist families during the application process, CPS is offering online information sessions in both English and Spanish. These virtual sessions aim to guide applicants through each step; registration details and informational videos are available at cps.edu/gocps.
The District notes that applying early does not give applicants an advantage. Families are encouraged to use all available resources before submitting their applications. Offers will be sent by email during Spring 2026.
Training sessions for K-8th grade applications will take place on several dates in September and October for English speakers, with separate sessions offered in Spanish throughout October. High school application training is also scheduled in both languages during October.
For pre-kindergarten students, CPS directs families to a separate application platform known as Chicago Early Learning.
Elementary students entering grades K-8 may apply for open enrollment, magnet, magnet cluster, dual-language, and selective enrollment programs via GoCPS. Students from non-CPS or neighborhood schools are eligible as well. Those seeking Selective Enrollment Programs must schedule an admissions exam at Illinois Institute of Technology.
High school applicants interested in selective enrollment or certain choice programs must complete the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT). The test lasts one hour—30 minutes each for reading and math—and is offered in six languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Urdu, and Polish. For current eighth graders in CPS schools, the HSAT will be administered during the school day on Wednesday, October 8.
Scores from October’s HSAT testing will be released prior to the November 14 application deadline.
Further details about programs can be found at cps.edu/gocps. The Office of Access and Enrollment can be reached at (773) 553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu for additional questions.
