An Overview: CPS’s Selective Enrollment High Schools

Chicago Public Schools’ Selective Enrollment High Schools represent some of the most academically rigorous public school options in the city. Unlike neighborhood or open-enrollment schools, selective enrollment schools admit students based on a competitive application process that considers entrance exam scores from the CPS HSAT and 7th-grade core grades. Selective Enrollment High Schools are designed for students seeking accelerated coursework, challenging academics, and enriched learning environments, while remaining part of the public school system and tuition-free.

What makes Selective Enrollment High Schools unique is their focus on advanced instruction and college preparation. Many offer honors and Advanced Placement courses starting early in high school, specialized academic themes, and highly structured academic expectations. Admission is competitive, and students are surrounded by peers who are similarly motivated, which often creates a fast-paced and intellectually demanding environment. Below, find a short breakdown of each of the Selective Enrollment High Schools in Chicago

Walter Payton
Among the most well-known selective enrollment schools is Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Located in Old Town, Walter Payton is recognized for its strong academics, wide range of AP courses, and emphasis on global studies and civic engagement. 

Jones
Jones College Prep, located in Printers Row, is notable for its International Baccalaureate program and strong focus on humanities and critical thinking, while also offering extensive AP options. 

Northside
Northside College Preparatory High School (located in North Park) is often regarded as one of the most academically intense schools in the district, with a heavy emphasis on STEM and a rigorous workload across all subjects.

Whitney Young
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, a selective enrollment high school in Near West Side, combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and diversity, offering students opportunities to engage in both advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. 

Lane Tech
Lane Tech College Prep High School, the largest selective enrollment school in CPS located in Roscoe Village, stands out for its wide variety of academic pathways, extracurriculars, and athletic programs, giving students flexibility within a selective academic setting.

Lindblom
Lindblom Math & Science Academy emphasizes STEM education and research-based learning. It is located in West Englewood.

King
Located in the Kenwood neighborhood, King College Preparatory High School offers a strong college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on leadership and community engagement. 

Brooks 
Brooks College Prep Academy, which is situated in the Roseland neighborhood, is known for its structured academic environment and emphasis on writing, literacy, and college readiness. 

Westinghouse
Westinghouse College Prep, a STEM-focused school in West Side, highlights engineering, technology, and applied sciences. 

Hancock
Hancock College Preparatory High School provides a rigorous curriculum with a close-knit community feel, appealing to students seeking strong academics in a smaller environment. It is in the Clearing neighborhood.

If you have a student looking to attend one of these top Chicago Selective Enrollment High Schools, Test Prep Chicago can help. Parents can view our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for the CPS HSAT here.