Spotlighting DePaul College Prep
Over the next few weeks leading up to the HSPT for Catholic high schools, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago, laying out what makes them special.
First up is DePaul College Prep! Located in Roscoe Village, DePaul College Prep has built its identity around rigorous academics, faith-rooted values, and a commitment to preparing students for college and life beyond high school. The school stands out among Chicago’s high schools for its ability to blend academic excellence with a strong sense of community and purpose.
Founded in 2014, DePaul College Prep emerged from a partnership between DePaul University and the former Gordon Tech High School. This collaboration combined the academic tradition of DePaul University with the long-standing Catholic heritage of Gordon Tech, producing a school that is both forward-thinking and grounded in faith. Like DePaul University, the school is sponsored by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians). Its mission continues to be guided by the values of St. Vincent de Paul, particularly in service to others, pursuit of justice, and the question at the heart of Vincentian faith: “What must be done?” As such, DePaul College Prep’s foundation in faith and service sets it apart. The school’s Vincentian mission emphasizes leadership through compassion, social responsibility, and community engagement. Students participate in service projects throughout Chicago, reflecting on how their faith can be lived through action. This emphasis on service and justice connects directly to the broader mission of DePaul University and fosters a culture of empathy, reflection, and purpose among students.
Academically, DePaul College Prep offers a robust curriculum that challenges students while providing personalized support. The school provides college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement courses, as well as the opportunity for dual enrollment with DePaul University for upperclassmen. It is also an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Furthermore, small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of about 13 to 1 allow teachers to build close relationships with students and tailor instruction to their strengths and goals.
In addition to traditional coursework, students can explore liberal arts, STEAM, and design or engineering electives, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to find their personal niche or discover a new academic, athletic, or artistic interest. With more than 50 clubs and academic teams, there is something for everyone. whether a student is interested in robotics, theater, debate, or volunteering. DePaul College Prep’s athletic teams compete in the Chicago Catholic League (for boys) and the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference, and its new campus includes first-rate athletic facilities, turf fields, and modern practice spaces. The arts are equally supported, with a Black Box Theatre, visual arts studios, and performance spaces designed to nurture creativity and expression.
DePaul College Prep is an excellent fit for students who are academically motivated and eager to thrive in a college preparatory environment. It is especially well-suited for families seeking a co-educational Catholic high school that emphasizes faith, service, and community in equal measure. Students who are drawn to leadership, extracurricular involvement, and a close-knit campus culture will find themselves at home here.
Admissions to DePaul College Prep can be very competitive. Students who desire to attend must have strong grades, and sometimes extracurriculars are considered as well. Students must also complete the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for Catholic schools on December 6th on location at DePaul College Prep in order to receive priority for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Test Prep Chicago can help students succeed on the HSPT. 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!