Featuring Loyola Academy

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test (HSPT) this Saturday, December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top parochial schools in the area. This week, we are spotlighting Loyola Academy in Wilmette, a leading Catholic college-preparatory high school near Chicago.

Loyola Academy was founded in 1909 and is rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of faith, scholarship, and service. The school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, including a wide selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Students study English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, and theology, with opportunities for enrichment through specialized electives. Loyola also maintains strong college matriculation outcomes and is known for its committed and experienced faculty.

Additionally, student life at Loyola is well-rounded. The school supports numerous clubs, arts programs, athletic teams, and service opportunities. Extracurricular involvement is a major part of the Loyola experience, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. On the arts/performing-arts side, there are many clubs and activities including art clubs, jazz band, drumline, dance groups, theater/drama, and other visual & performing arts clubs. At the same time, athletics are a major strength: Loyola fields roughly 80 athletic teams across 34 different sports — making it one of the largest and most varied athletic programs among private/Catholic high schools in the area.

Admissions to Loyola Academy is competitive, and the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a key component of the application process. If your child is considering Loyola or another Catholic high school, focused preparation for the HSPT can make a meaningful difference. Test Prep Chicago offers individualized tutoring (click here), providing students with practice tests, targeted review, and proven strategies aligned with each section of the exam. Although the test is coming up very soon, scheduling even a one-hour session prior to the exam can help improve confidence, test-taking strategies, and scores. 

Learn More about St. Ignatius College Prep

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test on December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago. This week, we will be spotlighting St. Ignatius College Prep!

St. Ignatius was founded in 1869, and is well-known for its Ignatian philosophy, academic rigor, and incredible campus. Its main building survived the Great Chicago Fire, making it one of the few pre-fire structures still standing in the city. For this reason, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Chicago Landmark. The campus now spans more than 20 acres, and is located in the Near West Side neighborhood. The school’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Ignatian values; reflection, service, and social justice are central to its identity. Students are encouraged to develop academically, socially, and intellectually, preparing them to think critically and act compassionately. 

St. Ignatius also offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including 28 Advanced Placement courses. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1, allowing for personalized attention and strong relationships between students and faculty. Student life at Ignatius is also very vibrant; the school supports more than a hundred clubs, spanning academic, social, service, and community engagement interests. Their athletics program includes teams across many sports, and students compete in well-respected Catholic athletic conferences. The school is well known for its football and cross country teams!

Admissions to St. Ignatius is competitive. The school makes significant investments in financial aid, distributing millions of dollars in tuition assistance each year, making it a highly sought after program for high schoolers. If you or your child are looking to attend St. Ignatius or another Catholic high school, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a central part of the application process, and Test Prep Chicago can help you succeed! We are now offering one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for HSPT prep anytime (click here), in which they will be given access to thorough prep materials targeting each section of the HSPT. Our curriculum includes practice tests, and step-by-step solutions and strategies aligned with the HSPT format. We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT! 

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!

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).

The Importance of Test Preparation and How It Translates Beyond the Classroom

Standardized tests are a consistent part of life, from school assessments to professional certifications. Unlike intelligence or aptitude tests, these exams measure acquired skills, which can be improved through deliberate practice. As a result, test preparation is a powerful tool that not only raises test scores but also builds broader academic and personal skills. Effective test prep delivers targeted strategies, repeated exposure to test formats, and enhanced familiarity with content, which significantly boost a student’s confidence and performance.

One of the key benefits of test preparation is the development of executive function skills, such as time management, organization, and planning. These skills are not only crucial for academic performance but also highly transferable to other aspects of life, including college coursework and professional responsibilities. Test prep teaches students to build study plans, prioritize their weaknesses, and manage the stress and logistics of test day, all of which contribute to long-term success beyond the exam itself.

Test preparation also acts as a diagnostic tool, helping students identify their specific academic weaknesses and tailor their study efforts accordingly. By working through practice tests and receiving feedback, students can better understand their learning styles and adapt more effective study habits. This process of self-assessment not only improves performance on the specific standardized test but fosters deeper academic awareness and adaptability.

Perhaps most importantly, test preparation instills a growth mindset. As students face challenges, make mistakes, and improve through hard work, they develop resilience, discipline, and a sense of agency. The journey from feeling like a “bad tester” to seeing tangible results reinforces the belief that effort leads to achievement. This emotional growth, combined with academic skill-building, ensures that the impact of test prep extends well beyond test day and becomes a foundational part of a student’s personal development.

CPS Selective Enrollment Process: What You Need To Know

The Selective Enrollment High School (SEHS) admissions process for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) uses students' High School Admissions Test (HSAT) scores and final 7th grade scores in math, English, science, and social studies to determine eligibility. Each applicant is ranked using this criteria to match students with the highest-ranked school on their GoCPS application that still has available seats.

Admission begins by awarding the top 30% of seats to students with the highest overall points, regardless of socioeconomic tier. The remaining 70% of seats are evenly divided among four tier groups, with placement based on point rankings within each tier.

Students can receive only one selective enrollment offer—their highest-ranked match. Once offered a seat, they are removed from consideration for all lower-ranked programs and cannot be waitlisted for any selective enrollment programs, even if ranked higher. If no offer is made, students are waitlisted for all eligible programs to which they have applied. Tiebreakers are applied in this order: HSAT Math score, then HSAT Reading score, and finally, a computerized random lottery.

We offer 8-week group courses to prepare students for the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT), Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), and Parochial School Entrance Exam (HSPT). Our course prepares students for these tests by focusing on math, reading comprehension, and test-taking strategies. To register your student for one of our courses, click here. We also offer 1-day palooza workshops where students can take a practice exam and review the answers with a skilled instructor. To register your student for one of our paloozas, click here. Finally, we offer individual tutoring, which can begin at any time. You can see our tutoring rates by clicking here. 

CPS School Budget Review

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently released school-level budgets, giving principals and Local School Councils only two weeks to review and approve them—a shorter timeline than usual. These budgets are based on the district’s most optimistic deficit projection of $229 million, which assumes the city will provide $300 million in new funding through either state support or tax-increment financing (TIF). However, CPS also presented two worse-case scenarios, with deficits reaching $529 million and $734 million, potentially requiring the layoff of up to 3,000 school staff. Notably, the projections do not include expected additional costs such as principal contracts or pension payments.

This has led to growing concern among school leaders. The Chicago Principals and Administrators Association criticized the budgets as misleading, warning that schools may have to cut staff over the summer when actual finances become clearer. Despite CPS's recent shift away from student-based budgeting toward a need-focused model using the Opportunity Index, even high-need schools are facing significant cuts. For instance, a north side high school that climbed in the index rankings is still losing substantial flexible funds and several staff positions.

Meanwhile, CEO Pedro Martinez is set to depart on June 18, leaving his successor to manage these financial challenges. Community engagement efforts are underway to help guide the search for the next CPS leader. CPS and the Alma Advisory Group have launched a series of public meetings to gather feedback on what qualities the new leader should have. Many attendees have voiced a preference for someone with strong ties to CPS and formal superintendent credentials.

These sessions mark an important moment for public involvement in CPS governance, especially as Chicago still lacks a fully elected school board. While some question the effectiveness of these meetings, turnout by local officials and community members suggests growing interest in shaping the district’s future. A separate event by Kids First Chicago offered a more direct line of communication with board members, allowing the public to raise concerns and engage personally with district leadership.

Chicago Board of Education to Hire New CEO

The Chicago Board of Education has begun its search for a replacement CEO following the removal of Pedro Martinez who is set to depart in June. Martinez was terminated in December of 2024 after disputes with Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson’s newly appointed board. Because his termination comes without cause, his contract entitled him to maintain his position for an additional 6 months.

Applications opened on April 25 as the board actively seeks to find a new CEO. Board President Sean Harden stated, “We are seeking a leader who will think boldly, embrace innovation, and build an equitable, student-centered future.”

The first of ten public engagement meetings began on Thursday, May 15th, encouraging community engagement. Once the meetings have concluded, the board is set to create a “leadership profile” to determine the qualifications and qualities desired in the next CEO. This will be used to evaluate candidates as the board works with a search firm to fill the position.

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

New Illinois Education Association Survey

According to a new poll released by the Illinois Education Association (IEA), public school funding is a concern for many Illinois residents. The poll, which was conducted on over 1,000 people cites 83% of individuals believe that funding education is an important issue within their community and 16% of individuals believe it is the single most important issue. Of those surveyed, 71% believe Illinois should increase its funding for public schools. Chicago and surrounding suburban residents account for 40% of those surveyed.

This survey illuminates the public perception of the Illinois public school system at large. Overall, Illinois residents have a negative opinion of the state’s public education. IEA’s President, Kathi Griffin claims that 62% of residents think “the state is on the wrong track” concerning public school education. When asked to compare the quality of public schools nationally versus those in Illinois, residents were more likely to give Illinois schools a failing status.

Though many concerns were raised regarding the Illinois public education system, residents have a much higher opinion of teachers as individuals. Around 58% of residents had positive statements about teachers, believing they are underpaid for the necessary work they do. This sentiment is echoed as many individuals believe teachers should be the ones developing standards for students in the public school system. The Illinois Education Association hopes this new information will propel lawmakers to implement changes regarding the funding of Illinois public schools.

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

ACT Enhancements

The ACT has made major structural changes to the exam that will be implemented in the coming months. The ACT will now have 44 fewer questions and students will receive more time to answer each question. The length of the test in total will be reduced to 125 minutes rather than 195 minutes as in previous years. Students will also have the option to opt out of the science section unlike previous years.

Math and English portions of the exam will be adjusted slightly. For math questions, the ACT will be eliminating a response option from each question. Options that are rarely chosen or of poor quality will be removed from the exam, leaving four potential answers rather than five. Additionally, when questions contain a graphic, answer options that can be easily eliminated by looking at the image will be removed from the test. This is designed to match the format of other assessments and improve the test-taking experience for students.

During the English section, students will be provided with clear instructions for each question. Previously, portions of text would be underlined or numbered to denote which phrases pertain to each grammar and language question. However, no instructions were given for each individual question, so students needed to reference the instructions at the beginning of the section. This will no longer be the case, as the ACT will provide instructions for each question such as “which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?” followed by the answer choices. Additionally, the “No Change” options will be bolded so they are easier to see. These changes are being introduced to promote clarity for all students.

ACT enhancements will begin going into effect starting in April of 2025 for students taking the exam online. By September of 2025, all students taking the exam on paper or online will receive these benefits as well. The adjustments will be reflected in all schools and districts by spring of 2026.

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