I am often asked “how do I get my child in a selective enrollment school”? Here I have pall the information in one place directly from the CPS site.

*Note to complete the application you will need to apply for an electronic pin. Just a heads up I tried the link provided by CPS  to apply for the pin and it doesn’t seem to be functioning yet. I’ll try again next week in hopes that CPS has corrected the issue because the PIN does need to mailed your address.

Follow these directions for applying:

Applying to Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools is easy! Just follow the directions below, and contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

But first, please note the following:

• The application period begins October 1, 2015, and ends December 11, 2015.
• You have a choice of applying through the online application portal, or by using a paper application. (We recommend the online portal – it’s easier, faster, reduces chances for error, and provides email confirmation.)
•     Admissions testing is required for the Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (Regional Gifted Centers, Classical Schools, Academic Centers, International Gifted Program). All age-appropriate students applying to grades K-4 will be tested. Students applying to grades 5-8 must pre-qualify to take the exam, based on their NWEA scores.
•    Your child’s application notification letter will be mailed to your home no later than March 25, 2016, to notify you whether or not your child received an offer from any of the schools to which you applied.

Read more