Chicago Public Schools Opens GoCPS Applications for the 2026-27 School Year

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CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) opened the GoCPS application window this week, allowing students and families to explore schools for the 2026-27 school year. From now through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, families of students entering grades K-9 in the 2026-27 school year can submit applications to a wide variety of schools - with myriad special programs - offered throughout the city.

"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."

Students entering District schools in the 2026-27 school year can apply to a variety of programs, including selective enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Fine and Performing Arts, Service Leadership Academies, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Dual-Language programs, and more.

To support families through the application process, CPS is hosting a series of online GoCPS information sessions, available in both English and Spanish. Families can register for a virtual session and also view step-by-step informational videos by visiting cps.edu/gocps.

Applying early does not provide any advantage; families are encouraged to take their time, review the online material, and attend an online training session as needed. Families will receive GoCPS offers during the Spring 2026 semester by email.

GoCPS K-8th Grade Application Family Training
English Sessions:

Tuesday, September 30, 10 a.m.
Wednesday, October 8, 12 p.m.
Thursday, October 16, 5 p.m.
Friday, October 24, 10 a.m.

Spanish sessions:

Monday, October 6, 12 p.m.
Thursday, October 16, 11:30 a.m.
Monday, October 20, 1 p.m.

GoCPS High School Grade Application Family Training
English Sessions:

Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m.
Thursday, October 9, 12 p.m.
Thursday, October 23, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28, 5 p.m.

Spanish sessions:

Thursday, October 2, 11 a.m.Thursday, October 9, 2 p.m.Monday, October 20, 10 a.m.Pre-K StudentsEach spring, families of Pre-K students access applications for early childhood programming through a separate website called Chicago Early Learning.Elementary School StudentsFamilies of elementary school students entering grades K-8 may use the GoCPS application to apply to open enrollment, magnet, magnet cluster, dual-language, and selective enrollment programs for the 2026-27 school year. Students currently attending their neighborhood or non-CPS schools are also eligible to apply. Those interested in Selective Enrollment Programs will need to schedule an admissions exam date at the Illinois Institute of Technology as part of their GoCPS application. Incoming High School StudentsStudents applying to selective enrollment high schools and many choice high school programs must complete a CPS admissions test, called the HSAT, as part of the application process. The test is offered in six languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Urdu, and Polish, and is one hour in length, with one 30-minute section in reading and one 30-minute section in math. The test is offered to CPS eighth graders during the school day on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.CPS will release HSAT scores for students who take the HSAT in October, before the application closes on November 14. For more information and a list of all available programs, visit cps.edu/gocps. Families are invited to contact CPS's Office of Access and Enrollment at (773) 553-2060 or [email protected] with any questions.