A Parent's Guide to Applying to Parochial Schools in Chicago

If your student is considering a Catholic high school in Chicago, understanding the admissions process is essential. In addition to considering a student's extracurriculars, grades, and other accomplishments, most Catholic high schools require the HSPT, a national entrance exam used by many Catholic schools to determine admissions, scholarships, and financial aid eligibility. For families navigating this process, here's what to keep in mind.

Introduction to Parochial High Schools in Chicago & Their Application Processes

Catholic high schools in Chicago are known for their strong academic programs, faith-based education, and commitment to student development. Each school has its own unique character, traditions, and strengths, whether it's a focus on college prep, service learning, the arts, or athletics. What unites them is a shared mission rooted in Catholic values: fostering leadership, community engagement, and moral development in a diverse and inclusive environment. Some of the most popular Catholic schools in Chicago include DePaul College Prep, St. Ignatius, and Loyola Academy. 

The application process typically begins in the fall of 8th grade, with most schools participating in the Archdiocese of Chicago's standardized admissions process. Students take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at their first-choice school in December, which helps determine placement and eligibility for scholarships. Applications may also include school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes interviews or essays, depending on the school. Families are encouraged to attend open houses and shadow days to find the right fit.

What Is the HSPT?

The HSPT is a standardized, paper-based exam administered once a year. For applicants looking to attend high school in the 2026-2027 school year, it will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The test includes five timed sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Math, and Language. It takes approximately two and a half hours to complete, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. Calculators are not allowed, and there is no penalty for guessing.

Students are allowed to take the HSPT only once per year, so choosing the right school to test at is important. Some schools may add an additional writing section. Testing accommodations are available for students with documented learning differences, including extended time for those with IEPs or 504 Plans. Documentation must typically be submitted at least one week before the test. It is important to ensure that all of your students' accommodations are met prior to testing on the 6th, and that any necessary fees or applications have been submitted. For specific questions regarding testing for the HSPT, it is best to contact your student's school of choice directly.

Why Testing Location Matters

Many Catholic high schools in Chicago require students to take the HSPT on-site in order to be considered for scholarships, or sometimes even admission. For example, schools like Loyola Academy, Fenwick, and St. Ignatius require students to test on-location for both admissions and scholarship eligibility. Others, such as DePaul College Prep and Nazareth Academy, give preference for admissions and scholarship to students who test at their school. Some schools, like Trinity High School, accept outside HSPT scores for admission, but still require on-site testing for scholarships.

A few schools, like Cathedral Catholic and De La Salle, will accept HSPT scores regardless of where the exam is taken. Others, like Leo High School, may require an in-person interview if the test is taken elsewhere. Policies vary widely, so it’s best to confirm testing and admissions requirements directly with each school.

It’s also important to note that HSPT scores can only be submitted to one school. While some schools offer the exam for free when taken on-site, others may charge a fee.

How Catholic High School Admissions Work

Unlike the public school system in Chicago, Catholic high schools in Chicago do not use a centralized or standardized application. Each school has its own process, but most include HSPT scores along with academic records from 7th and 8th grade, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement. Competitive programs and scholarship decisions often prioritize students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher.

Getting Ready for Test Day

Preparing for the HSPT is key, especially since there are no retakes. At Test Prep Chicago, we offer workshops and private tutoring to help students strengthen their skills and build testing confidence for this exam. Starting in November, we will offer one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring on the HSPT anytime, which will give them access to thorough prep material targeting each section of the HSPT, practice tests, and step-by-step strategies aligned to the HSPT format (click here). We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT!