|
|
|
|
|
|
CPS Targets 4/19/21 Re-Opening for HS
Hybrid instruction will be offered for those who opt-in
Although the Chicago Teacher's Union has yet to agree, CPS is aiming to reopen high school classrooms on a hybrid basis starting Monday April 19. CPS's reopening plans are outlined along with a Covid dashboard on the CPS Reopening website . FAQs or videos can be found HERE.
|
|
Chicago Early Learning Preschool Apps
Applications open 4/21/21 for Chicago Early Learning PK
Check the CEL website to apply for Chicago Early Learning Preschools starting 4/21/21. These are preschool programs serving children who are 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1st. Most programs are low cost or no cost to attend, and can be a half day or 7 hours long.
Families can choose up to 2 programs and spaces are filled via a combination of rolling basis and need based criteria. Siblings are not guaranteed but submitting an application early may help.
Pre-pandemic, the programs serving 3 year olds were located in community based sites while programs serving 4 year olds were in CPS schools with space available to host a preschool classroom. Families who sign up for a CEL school-based program are NOT guaranteed Kindergarten admission to that school unless it is their assigned neighborhood school.
|
|
Still Awaiting CPS Application Results
HS families will hear on 4/30/21, no word on Elementary
Families eagerly await news from the highly unusual Fall 2021 application cycle. CPS will announce first round results for 9th grade applicants on April 30, typically around 9am. Check your 8th grader's GoCPS portal at that time to see first round offers, or the GoCPS website for more details.
As of this writing, CPS has yet to announce a notification date for first round elementary offers (K-8th grade). It has typically been about a month after high school offers are released, but no date for elementary has been posted on GoCPS.
If families don't hear news they are hopeful for during the first round notification, remember that waitlists for all schools can extend well into the summer and the fall as well. Any schools with leftover space after first round notifications may open up second round applications as well that will not impact first round waitlists.
Need help with next steps for school decisions? Contact Us for help with both public and private admissions. We have 30 or 60 Minute Consultations to help you compare your options.
|
|
Transfer Apps for High Schoolers Open
Your high schooler can apply to switch schools
We always try to impress upon families that the vast choices of schools in Chicago means that your student is never "stuck" at a school. This includes all grades, and high school is no exception. While this year has certainly been hard for current 9th graders to determine the "fit" of their school, spring marks the typical time of year that high schoolers looking to change schools can use a holistic application to apply for another high school. Even if your child didn't initially get into a Selective Enrollment school (SEHS) for 9th grade, they can apply for 10th through 12th grade to those schools, regardless of if they applied earlier. Transfer applications look at a student's 9th grade performance and include essays, transcripts and proof of good standing instead of entrance exams. Many applications for schools such as Jones, Whitney Young, Northside, Lindblom and Senn are open now. Private schools also take transfers so check with each school you are interested in to inquire about next steps (see below).
|
|
Private School Transfers Case by Case
Spring is common for parents to reach out to schools
Everything has been so unusual this past year that we find families are looking to re-adjust their focus and many have been grappling with what is a "good fit" in this age of Covid. For those interested in private schools at all ages, spring brings new opportunities to investigate the possibilities. Reach out to a private school and indicate your interest because many have rolling admissions policies (Smart Love Preschool, Chicago Grammar School, GCE Lab School) or later deadlines (Latin SK-4th) for non-entry grades.
|
|
Public & Private Schools Start in August
CPS Announced their Fall 2021 start date as 8/30/21
For just the 2nd time in recent history, CPS has voted to start school before Labor Day. They cite wanting to recapture some lost learning as well as provide more time for high schoolers to prepare for national tests in the spring. Many private schools typically start sometime in August, and CPS will do the same by starting this year on Monday, August 30th.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
