Learn Chicago’s Best-Kept HS Admissions Secrets at the 2025 Hidden Gems High School Fair

Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. | Lycée Français de Chicago

Choosing the right high school in Chicago can be overwhelming. With so many public, private, and boarding options, each with different admissions processes, testing requirements, and academic offerings, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why the “Hidden Gems” High School Fair, hosted by Chicago School GPS, is such a valuable event for families.

This annual fair is designed to help families of eighth graders discover a wide range of high school options, many of which fly under the radar but offer exceptional programs and opportunities. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, more than 35 schools and educational resources will gather at Lycée Français de Chicago, providing families with direct access to admissions teams, program overviews, and expert advice on navigating the high school admissions journey.

The fair begins at 1:00 p.m. with an open showcase where schools present what makes them stand out. From arts-focused institutions like ChiArts to college-prep programs, such as Beacon Academy and Golder College Prep, you’ll discover a wide variety of schools in Chicago. Public magnet schools, boarding schools, and alternative learning models will also be represented.

At 2:00 p.m., breakout sessions begin, covering a wide range of important topics:

• Navigating Public and Private School Admissions
  Understand CPS Tiers, timelines, scoring rubrics, interviews, recommendations, and how to approach open houses and tours.

• High School Entrance Exam Strategies with Test Prep Chicago
  Learn how to prepare for the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT), the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT), and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Test Prep Chicago will share expert tips to help your student walk into these exams with confidence.

• Scholarship Resources and Financial Aid Opportunities
  From the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to independent merit scholarships, discover what’s available and when to apply.

• Understanding International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
  Decode what the IB Diploma means and how it can benefit your student in high school and beyond.

• Peer-to-Peer Student Panels
  Hear directly from current high school students who recently went through the process and are ready to share real-world insights.

School tours of the hosting campus will also be available throughout the afternoon.

Whether your student is looking for a rigorous academic environment, a strong arts program, or smaller class sizes and personalized support, this fair will help you find the right fit.

Registration includes access to all breakout sessions, student panels, and school representatives. To register, fill out the form on the Chicago School GPS website, linked here.

As part of the breakout programming, Test Prep Chicago will lead a focused session on what to expect from Chicago’s high school entrance exams. Whether your child is applying to CPS selective enrollment programs, Catholic high schools, or independent private schools, this session will provide clarity on the exams, their content, their scoring, and test prep. Test Prep Chicago has 13+ years of experience helping students succeed on the CPS HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE. If your child is applying to competitive programs, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Learn more about how Test Prep Chicago can support your eighth grader through courses (here), one-day workshops (here), or individual tutoring (here).