Chicago Public Schools Gifted Program
Buy NowSelective Enrollment Elementary Schools Guide
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offers several academically advanced elementary school programs designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential. These Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES) provide accelerated instruction, enriched curriculum, and challenging learning opportunities for students who thrive in a rigorous educational environment.
Because CPS is one of the largest school districts in the United States, families have several types of advanced learning options to consider, including:
- Regional Gifted Centers (RGC)
- Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners (RGC-EL)
- Classical Schools
- Magnet Schools
- Magnet Cluster Schools
- Neighborhood schools with gifted or advanced learning opportunities
This guide focuses primarily on Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools, which admit students through a competitive application process.
Historically, Chicago Public Schools used admissions tests that measured reasoning, problem-solving, working memory, verbal abilities, and nonverbal thinking. While many parents prepared using nationally recognized gifted assessments such as the OLSAT, NNAT, and CogAT, CPS has never publicly identified the specific tests used for admissions.
Today, CPS continues to administer its own admissions assessments but does not disclose the names of the tests. Instead, CPS publishes the skills that are evaluated for each program.
As a result, parents should focus on developing the underlying reasoning and academic skills rather than preparing for one specific named assessment. In the TestingMom program, we have identified the skills listed by CPS in the standardized tests that also test those skills.
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Types of Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools
Regional Gifted Centers (RGC)
Regional Gifted Centers are designed for students with exceptional academic ability who benefit from instruction significantly above grade level.
Students typically experience:
- Accelerated instruction
- Advanced mathematics
- Higher-level reading and writing
- Critical thinking
- Logical reasoning
- Creative problem solving
- Inquiry-based learning
- Project-based instruction
Instruction is generally provided at approximately one to two years above grade level.
Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners
Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners serve academically advanced students whose primary language is not English.
These programs combine:
- Accelerated academics
- Bilingual instruction
- English language development
- Advanced reasoning
- Literacy development
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
Students receive challenging instruction while continuing to strengthen both English and their home language.
Classical Schools
Classical Schools offer an accelerated liberal arts curriculum emphasizing:
- Literature
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Humanities
- History
- Critical thinking
- Analytical reasoning
The curriculum is typically taught approximately one grade level above standard expectations, allowing students to move through academic material at a faster pace.
Some Classical Schools continue through eighth grade.
Who Can Apply?
Students who live within the City of Chicago may apply to Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools if they meet the age and grade requirements established by CPS.
Applications are submitted through the GoCPS system during the annual application window.
Families may rank multiple schools in their order of preference.
How Admissions Work
Admissions requirements vary by grade level.
Kindergarten through Grade 4
Students applying to kindergarten through fourth grade participate in CPS-administered admissions assessments.
Although CPS does not identify the names of the assessments, the district states that the tests measure skills appropriate for each program.
Grades 5 and Higher
Students applying to upper grades generally must first meet academic eligibility requirements before participating in the admissions process.
Requirements may include standardized test performance and other academic measures established by CPS.
Because admissions policies occasionally change, families should always review the current GoCPS information before applying.
What Skills Are Assessed?
While CPS does not disclose the names of the admissions tests, it does identify the types of skills evaluated.
For Regional Gifted Centers, students are typically assessed in areas such as:
- Verbal reasoning
- Nonverbal reasoning
- Working memory
- Logical thinking
- Classification
- Analogies
- Pattern recognition
- Creativity
- Problem solving
For Classical Schools, admissions generally focus on strong academic readiness, including:
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Language Arts
- Critical thinking
The assessments are designed to identify students who are likely to succeed in accelerated academic programs.
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Choosing the Right School
Every Selective Enrollment Elementary School has its own culture, strengths, and instructional focus.
When comparing schools, families should consider:
- Academic rigor
- School philosophy
- Commute
- Class size
- Extracurricular activities
- Language offerings
- STEM opportunities
- Fine arts programs
- Parent involvement
- Student support services
Whenever possible, attend school open houses and information sessions before submitting your rankings.
How TestingMom Can Help
Although CPS does not reveal the specific admissions assessments it uses, children can prepare by strengthening the reasoning and academic skills commonly evaluated in gifted identification.
TestingMom offers practice and enrichment in:
- Verbal reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Nonverbal reasoning
- Logic
- Pattern recognition
- Reading comprehension
- Mathematics
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Executive function skills
We also offer one-on-one tutoring for families preparing for the Chicago Selective Enrollment admissions process.
Rather than teaching children to memorize answers, our goal is to help them build the confidence and thinking skills needed for long-term academic success.
Start today with 100 Free Practice Questions and help your child develop the skills needed for advanced learning.
See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.
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16 Responses
My daughter is a 1st grader now!Thank You
What material from TestingMom would work for the Academic Center Entrance Exam? Thank you.
Thank you for all the information. How long is the classical test for 3rd graders? I can’t find the information anywhere
My son is currently in 3rd grade but testing at 99% and way above grade level. He attends a private school that won’t do anything for him. So basically a waste of money. Is there any way this could benefit him?
We’re moving to Chicago and my currently 7th grade child would like to take a test to start 8th grade in CPS (either gifted regional school or classical school) starting 2022 Fall. Do they take 8th graders, too? How should I prepare the test? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Marcus! And thanks Vandana!
My child, will turn 5 between 9/2 and 12/31 and will test this spring for early entrance to Kindergarten in CPS. If my child meets the requirements of the Developmental Survey for Kindergarten readiness, then they will sit for an academic and cognitive test at a CPS testing center.
How can I prepare my child for the tests beyond getting a Pre-K workbook on Amazon (Thanks Verdana for the tip!)?
Best,
Emily
Thanks so much! I found a workbook on amazon. My daughter is in preschool and a perspective for the kindergarten gifted programs. Should I purchase preschool and kindergarten workbook or 1st grade (1 grade level above)?
4th grade
Thanks for making my kids smart
You. Rock. Thank you for helping me get smarter!!