Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between RGCs, Classical Schools, and Academic Centers in Chicago

CPS offers several selective enrollment options for academically advanced students looking to attend elementary schools in Chicago. Among the most sought-after programs are Regional Gifted Centers (RGCs), Classical Schools, and Academic Centers. While all three serve high-achieving students and provide advanced, specialized instruction, there are important differences in structure, curriculum, and entry points that can be difficult to keep track of. Read on to discover the key differences and similarities between all three of CPS's specialized elementary schools.

Regional Gifted Centers

Regional Gifted Centers are designed for gifted learners starting as early as kindergarten all the way through 8th grade. These programs provide an accelerated curriculum (often two years above grade level) in all core subjects. In addition to advanced academics, RGCs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, often incorporating subjects like computer science, foreign languages, and fine arts into their curriculums. Admission is citywide and highly competitive, but once accepted, students can remain through 8th grade without the need to reapply. That said, unlike Academic Centers, Regional Gifted Centers do not lead into high schools, meaning that RGC students must participate in the high school application process should they desire to attend a Selective Enrollment High School, Parochial High School, or Independent High School.

The eleven CPS Regional Gifted Centers in Chicago are Beasley, Beaubien, Bell, Carnegie, Edison, Keller, Lenart, McPherson, Morton, National Teachers Academy, and Pritzker.

Classical Schools

Similarly to RGCs, Classical Schools also begin in kindergarten. The focus in Classical Schools is on building strong academic foundations, particularly in language arts, math, and the humanities, within a structured and rigorous environment. Like RGCs, admission is based on a citywide application process and is tuition-free.

The seven CPS Classical Schools are Bronzeville Classical School, Decatur, McDade, Poe, Skinner North, Skinner West, and Sor Juana.

Academic Centers

Academic Centers are selective programs for 7th and 8th grade students and are connected to some of CPS’s top high schools, such as Lane Tech, Whitney Young, and Lindblom. Students attending Academic Centers benefit from early exposure to a high school setting, access to advanced electives, and the ability to earn high school credits. These centers offer a curriculum comparable in rigor to RGCs, and admission includes the added advantage of automatic entry into the host CPS Selective Enrollment High School. Because of this, entry into Academic Centers is extremely competitive, with thousands of 6th graders competing for limited seats each year.

The seven CPS Academic Schools are Brooks, Kenwood, Lane Tech, Lindblom, Morgan Park, Taft, and Whitney Young.

Conclusion

Despite their differences, all three programs share key similarities: they are free public options open to students across Chicago, they serve high-performing students, and they aim to provide an enriching, accelerated educational experience. Each also relies on a standardized admissions test. For both Academic Centers and Regional Gifted Centers, prospective students are required to take the Regional Gifted Center Test (or sometimes referred to as the Academic Center Entrance Exam). This test (an IQ test), makes up for 300 points of a student's application to an Academic Center. To be considered for a Regional Gifted Center, a student must receive 150 points or higher from this exam. 

For students hoping to attend a Regional Gifted Center or Academic Center, Test Prep Chicago can help students ace the ACEE/RGC Test. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or individual tutoring (click here), TPC offers full-length practice exams, material targeted specifically to the possible topics seen on the exam, specialized homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies to help students prepare for their upcoming exam.

Upcoming Open Houses for Selective Enrollment High Schools

 With so many high school options across Chicago, choosing the right fit can feel overwhelming for students. While online resources (like this page on our website) can provide helpful information about each school's location, strengths, and academic and extracurricular offerings, visiting a school in person can offer valuable insight into its culture and community. For students applying to Selective Enrollment High Schools, as well as certain Catholic and Independent schools, open houses are a great way to connect with administrators and current students, explore available programs, and tour the campus and classrooms.  

This year, many Selective Enrollment High Schools are holding their open houses in October and November. Find a list of open houses and descriptions of their events in order of occurrence, below:

Hancock Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 10am to 1pm

Whitney Young Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 12:30pm to 4pm
Description: At Whitney Young's open house, high school presentations and tours will run every thirty minutes until 2:45pm. There will also be a presentation for students with disabilities at 2pm.

South Shore Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Description: Current South Shore students, faculty, and staff will welcome prospective students at their open house. The visit will be very interactive, including campus tours, Q&A's, and a club and activity fair. South Shore's IB program and Medical and Business program will also be introduced to prospective students.

Jones Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10am to 3pm

King Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10am to 1pm
Description: At King College Prep's open house, students will learn about the school, its program offerings, and its environment. Two presentations will be held at 10am and 11:30am, followed by student-led tours.

Westinghouse Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 10am to 1pm

Brooks Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 12pm to 3pm

Lane Tech Selective Enrollment High School
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 12pm to 2:30pm
Description: Lane Tech will be hosting an open house on November 1st. The first presentation will be held at 12pm, with presentations occurring approximately every 35 minutes. The last presentation will be at 2:20pm, and will be followed by tours led by current students.

Note that the other Selective Enrollment High Schools have already held their open houses. Walter Payton held theirs on Saturday, September 27 from 9am to 1pm, Northside College Prep’s was on Sunday, October 5 from 10am to 1pm, and Lindblom’s was on Saturday, October 11 from 10am to 11:30am.

If you are interested in checking out a neighborhood CPS school, families can check out the calendar of open houses for all CPS high schools here. Families interested in looking into non-CPS schools can look into Chicago School GPS's open house and school tour calendar here.

If your student is hoping to attend a selective enrollment high school, Catholic high school, or private high school, high test scores are a must. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or personalized one-on-one tutoring (click here), our programs help to prepare students for the CPS HSAT through full-length practice exams, targeted homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies. We continually update our materials based on student feedback and evolving exam trends.

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

CPS to Absorb Five Acero Charter Schools

In October of 2024, the Chicago based Acero charter network announced the closure of seven of its schools by June of 2025. These schools include Cisneros, Casas, Fuentes, Paz, Cruz, Santiago, and Tamayo. The network claims these closures are necessary due to rising maintenance costs, low attendance, and a $40 million dollar deficit. The shutdowns would affect 2,000 students and more than 250 teachers, making the decision extremely controversial amongst the community.

While Acero asserts that students who previously attended these schools would be allowed to assimilate to one of the several remaining Acero campuses, parents remain unsatisfied with this solution. They fear their students will not receive the same quality of education because of larger class sizes and transition adjustments. To fight this outcome, parents and teachers have come together to seek a solution through Chicago Public Schools. At the forefront of this crusade, Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union, demanded that CPS absorb the schools in jeopardy.

Following months of public outcry and intense negotiations, the Chicago Board of Education voted to keep five of the aforementioned seven charter schools open. In a 16-3 vote, the decision to absorb these schools won by an overwhelming majority. However, those who voted against the notion fear that there is not enough money in the budget as CPS is currently operating under a $500 million dollar deficit. Nevertheless, Cisneros, Casas, Fuentes, Santiago, and Tamayo will remain open for the 2025-26 school year while Paz and Cruz will close as originally planned.

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