Chicago Classical Schools

A Guide for Families

Chicago Classical Schools are among the most sought-after Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES) in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). These schools are designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and are ready for an accelerated, liberal arts education.

Classical Schools emphasize rigorous academics, critical thinking, strong reading and writing skills, and intellectual curiosity. Students study a curriculum that moves at a faster pace than traditional classrooms while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and leadership.

Admission is competitive, and students must participate in the CPS Selective Enrollment admissions process.

What Are Chicago Classical Schools?

Chicago Classical Schools provide an accelerated curriculum that builds a strong foundation in the liberal arts while helping students develop advanced academic and problem-solving skills.

Students receive challenging instruction in subjects including:

• Reading and literature
• Writing and language arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• Humanities
• World languages
• Fine arts

Instruction is designed to move beyond grade-level expectations, encouraging students to analyze, question, and think independently.

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

Each Classical School offers its own unique programs and enrichment opportunities. Depending on the school, students may have access to experiences such as:

• Science and STEM labs
• Computer science and technology
• Visual and performing arts
• World language instruction
• School gardens
• Music and choir
• Theater
• Chess
• Robotics
• Student leadership opportunities
• Academic clubs
• Athletics and after-school enrichment

Many Classical Schools also partner with museums, universities, cultural organizations, and community groups to provide students with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Chicago Classical Schools

Chicago Public Schools currently operates five Classical Schools:

• Decatur Classical School
• James G. McDade Classical School
• Edgar Allan Poe Classical School
• Skinner North Classical School
• Skinner West Classical School

Most Classical Schools serve students from kindergarten through sixth grade, while Skinner North and Skinner West continue through eighth grade.

How Students Are Admitted

Classical Schools are part of the Chicago Public Schools Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES) system.

Families apply through the GoCPS application portal during the annual application period.

Kindergarten Through Grade 4

Students applying for kindergarten through fourth grade participate in admissions assessments administered by Chicago Public Schools.

Although CPS does not publicly identify the names of the admissions tests, the district publishes the academic skills that are evaluated. For Classical Schools, assessments focus primarily on:

• Reading readiness
• Reading comprehension
• Mathematics
• Language arts
• Critical thinking

Grades 5 Through 8

Students applying to upper grades must first meet CPS’s academic eligibility requirements before participating in the admissions process.

Eligibility requirements may include standardized assessment performance and other academic criteria. Because admissions policies may change from year to year, families should always review the current GoCPS application guide before applying.

Today, CPS continues to administer admissions assessments and to publish the skills being evaluated, rather than identifying the specific tests. This allows families to focus on building the reasoning, reading, and mathematics skills needed for success rather than preparing for one particular assessment.

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How TestingMom Can Help

TestingMom helps students develop the academic and reasoning skills commonly evaluated for admission to Chicago Classical Schools.

Our resources include practice in:

• Reading comprehension
• Mathematics
• Verbal reasoning
• Critical thinking
• Logic
• Pattern recognition
• Problem solving
• Executive function skills

We also offer one-on-one tutoring for families preparing for the Chicago Selective Enrollment admissions process.

Whether your child is applying to a Classical School or another advanced academic program, our goal is to help them build confidence, strengthen higher-level thinking skills, and enjoy learning.

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