Selective enrollment

Designed to meet the needs of Chicago’s most academically advanced students. The schools offer a rigorous curriculum with mainly honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Overview

Curriculum

Teachers expect students to be self-driven and highly engaged. Classes develop students’ critical and analytical thinking skills and promote diverse academic inquiry by bringing together students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The selection process for selective enrollment high schools is highly competitive. Thousands of applications are submitted each year. Students with disabilities and English Language Learners are encouraged to apply.

Attendance boundaries

None.

Resources

View list of Selective enrollment schools

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Enrollment requirements

Acceptance criteria

Selective enrollment application
Entrance exam - Eligibility to take the entrance examination is based on the student's 7th grade standardized test scores in reading and mathematics.

Requirements to sit for examination

A minimum stanine 5, in both reading and math, on the student's most recent nationally normed standardized test. English Language Learners or Special Education students with an existing IEP meet our minimum requirements for examination if they have a combined stanine of 10 in reading and math. All IEPs must be on file prior to the application deadline in order for students to receive testing accommodations. There are no retroactive accommodations.

Download application form

Parents can obtain an application from any Selective Enrollment school, any public elementary school, or by calling the Office of Academic Enhancement at (773) 553-2060