High School Entrance Exam Dates Announced for 2026–2027 Cycle — Prep Options Now Open

Written By Charlie Howard

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has officially announced test dates for the 2026–2027 high school admissions cycle. Below, find a list of key dates, along with test prep options from Test Prep Chicago!

Key Test Dates:

CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT)

  • Oct. 8: CPS Students

  • Oct. 15: Alternative Language Testing

  • Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26: Non-CPS Students

The GoCPS application portal will open Sept. 23 at 10 AM and close Nov. 14 at 5 PM. You can learn more at go.cps.edu.

Parochial School Entrance Exam (HSPT)

  • Dec. 6 (First Saturday in December)

Registration and details are handled by the individual schools.

Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)

  • Fall: August–November

  • Winter: December–March

  • Spring: April–July

Students may take the ISEE once per season. Learn more on ERB’s website here.

Prep with Test Prep Chicago:

TPC offers a range of prep options to help students get ready for all of these High School Entrance Exams:

  • 16-Hour Courses: Focused on math, reading, and test strategies for the HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE. Includes diagnostic/final exams and supplemental material. Click here to sign up.

  • One-Day Palooza Workshops: A four-hour workshop simulating real test environments with pizza lunch and step-by-step review included. Click here to sign up.

  • Individual Tutoring: Personalized sessions using the full prep curriculum for students seeking one-on-one support. Click here to sign up.

Charlie Howard
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