Want to Know the Ins and Outs of the Chicago School Systems?

Families with young children who are looking for homes in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system have a wealth of options when it comes to finding the right public school. With over 600 neighborhood and elementary schools to choose from, the school search process can seem daunting at first glance. But with a little planning and a clear understanding of their goals, families can find the school that best meets their needs.

The first step is to understand the different types of schools CPS offers. Traditional neighborhood schools are assigned to students based on their home address. Charter schools, magnet schools, and selective enrollment schools each have their own admissions process. Once your family prioritizes what type of school they are interested in, narrowing the options becomes easier.

The next step is to clarify some goals for your child's education. What are your family's priorities? Do you want your child to attend a school with a strong academic program? A diverse student body? A close-knit community? Is it a priority to have all of your children in one school or might it benefit them to be in different programs? Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, you can start researching specific schools. My CPS Fact sheet contains details on over 100 schools in Chicago, including program offerings and rankings.

The CPS website also offers a wealth of information on individual schools, including test scores, attendance rates, and extracurricular offerings. It outlines the types of schools, provides an overview of selective enrollment applications, and gives tips on how to approach each stage of the process. Families can also get an inside look at a school by attending open houses and tours or by meeting with the principal.

Whether you have already researched specific types of school or neighborhoods or are at step one of the process, please reach out to me. It is always my pleasure to help guide my clients through the process of finding their way to their ideal home and school.