A Spotlight on the Brooks Academic Center
As we lead up to the Academic Center Entrance Exam, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we are spotlighting the Brooks Academic Center at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, an excellent opportunity for motivated students who are ready for an advanced program at a young age.
The Brooks Academic Center is part of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a highly regarded selective enrollment public high school located on Chicago’s South Side. The school is known for its strong academic focus and commitment to preparing students for college and high school, potentially at Brooks.
Students at the Brooks Academic Center take courses that go beyond standard middle school material. The program is designed to prepare students for the rigorous high school curriculum offered at Brooks, which includes honors and Advanced Placement classes. One major benefit of attending the Academic Center is that students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed a seat in the Brooks high school, giving them a smooth transition into ninth grade. Teachers encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and strong study habits that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Student life at Brooks emphasizes both learning and personal growth. While specific club offerings can vary from year to year and depend on student interest and teacher sponsorship, Brooks supports a range of student organizations that allow kids to build leadership and teamwork skills. Organizations such as Student Ambassadors are open to Academic Center students, and allow students to represent Brooks at events, help with tours, and develop leadership skills. Furthermore, the school offers many sports, including cross country, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, bowling, baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and swimming for both boys and girls, as well as cheerleading and wrestling. Brooks also supports teams like chess for their Academic Center, a distinctive activity that has drawn attention as one of the few of its kind in the CPS system.
Admission to the Brooks Academic Center is competitive and based on academic performance and entrance exam results. For families interested in Brooks or other Academic Centers, strong test preparation can be very helpful. Test Prep Chicago supports students preparing for the ACEE and more by offering one-day workshops (click here), ACEE prep courses (click here), and individual tutoring (click here), providing clear test-taking strategies, practice exams, homework, and a deep dive on material to help students feel confident and ready for test day.