A Parent's Guide to Applying to Parochial Schools in Chicago

If your student is considering a Catholic high school in Chicago, understanding the admissions process is essential. In addition to considering a student's extracurriculars, grades, and other accomplishments, most Catholic high schools require the HSPT, a national entrance exam used by many Catholic schools to determine admissions, scholarships, and financial aid eligibility. For families navigating this process, here's what to keep in mind.

Introduction to Parochial High Schools in Chicago & Their Application Processes

Catholic high schools in Chicago are known for their strong academic programs, faith-based education, and commitment to student development. Each school has its own unique character, traditions, and strengths, whether it's a focus on college prep, service learning, the arts, or athletics. What unites them is a shared mission rooted in Catholic values: fostering leadership, community engagement, and moral development in a diverse and inclusive environment. Some of the most popular Catholic schools in Chicago include DePaul College Prep, St. Ignatius, and Loyola Academy. 

The application process typically begins in the fall of 8th grade, with most schools participating in the Archdiocese of Chicago's standardized admissions process. Students take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at their first-choice school in December, which helps determine placement and eligibility for scholarships. Applications may also include school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes interviews or essays, depending on the school. Families are encouraged to attend open houses and shadow days to find the right fit.

What Is the HSPT?

The HSPT is a standardized, paper-based exam administered once a year. For applicants looking to attend high school in the 2026-2027 school year, it will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The test includes five timed sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Math, and Language. It takes approximately two and a half hours to complete, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. Calculators are not allowed, and there is no penalty for guessing.

Students are allowed to take the HSPT only once per year, so choosing the right school to test at is important. Some schools may add an additional writing section. Testing accommodations are available for students with documented learning differences, including extended time for those with IEPs or 504 Plans. Documentation must typically be submitted at least one week before the test. It is important to ensure that all of your students' accommodations are met prior to testing on the 6th, and that any necessary fees or applications have been submitted. For specific questions regarding testing for the HSPT, it is best to contact your student's school of choice directly.

Why Testing Location Matters

Many Catholic high schools in Chicago require students to take the HSPT on-site in order to be considered for scholarships, or sometimes even admission. For example, schools like Loyola Academy, Fenwick, and St. Ignatius require students to test on-location for both admissions and scholarship eligibility. Others, such as DePaul College Prep and Nazareth Academy, give preference for admissions and scholarship to students who test at their school. Some schools, like Trinity High School, accept outside HSPT scores for admission, but still require on-site testing for scholarships.

A few schools, like Cathedral Catholic and De La Salle, will accept HSPT scores regardless of where the exam is taken. Others, like Leo High School, may require an in-person interview if the test is taken elsewhere. Policies vary widely, so it’s best to confirm testing and admissions requirements directly with each school.

It’s also important to note that HSPT scores can only be submitted to one school. While some schools offer the exam for free when taken on-site, others may charge a fee.

How Catholic High School Admissions Work

Unlike the public school system in Chicago, Catholic high schools in Chicago do not use a centralized or standardized application. Each school has its own process, but most include HSPT scores along with academic records from 7th and 8th grade, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement. Competitive programs and scholarship decisions often prioritize students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher.

Getting Ready for Test Day

Preparing for the HSPT is key, especially since there are no retakes. At Test Prep Chicago, 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!

CPS Application Result Dates Announced

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has released information regarding application result dates and wait-listing for students applying to choice and selective enrollment schools. Applicants can receive up to one offer for choice and selective enrollment programs. Students applying for high schools (9th grade) will receive their results on March 14th while elementary students from grades K-8 will receive their results on April 11th.

Once results have been released, a rolling waitlist for non-admitted students will be set up.  Students offered placement at schools will be given a deadline to decide at which point students on the waitlist will be offered spots accordingly.

Additional deadlines for students who have not yet tested should be noted. Selective enrollment students should request a rescheduled date by February 2nd. The final SEES testing date for 1st-8th graders is February 16th and Kindergarten students will have until February 21st.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

CPS High School Admissions Test Dates (2023-24 School Year)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced the test dates for the High School Admissions Test (HSAT). This year, the HSAT will be taken by CPS students on October 11th. Non-CPS students will have the option to take the HSAT on October 14th, 15th, or 21st. All test dates have been listed below. 

HSAT Test Dates 

CPS Students: 

Wednesday, October 11

Non-CPS Students:

Saturday, October 14
Sunday, October 15
Saturday, October 12

The HSAT will be offered in-school for CPS students. Non-CPS students will take the HSAT at a designated CPS testing site. Applicants will apply using the GoCPS online application portal.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

CPS Graduates Earn Record Amount in Scholarships

The CPS graduating class of 2023 earned a record amount in college scholarships this year - more than $2 billion, compared to $1.5 billion last year. In another first, every high school reported earning some amount of scholarship money.

It’s welcome news for a graduating class whose high school experience was plagued by pandemic closures and remote learning. The district made extra efforts to hold informational sessions for seniors as well as trainings for schools looking to provide their students with added support.

Options to make college more affordable encourage students to not only attend college, but complete their degrees. Although the general trend in the last 10 years shows more CPS students enrolling in college, the percentage of students who actually earn their degrees has not increased dramatically. The district is thus focusing efforts on getting students through college, as well as encouraging students to consider technical and career options.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator

anna@testprepchicago.com

(312) 848-1266