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Lindblom Math and Science Academy: A Closer Look at One of Chicago’s Top Selective Enrollment High Schools
Leading up to the PreACT 9 this October, Test Prep Chicago will feature all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting Robert Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
Lindblom stands out for its combination of rigorous academics, STEM education, and unique world language opportunities. Located on Chicago's South Side, the school is known for its focus on math and science, though it also provides opportunities for students to explore technology, the arts, languages, and career-focused programs.
One of Lindblom's greatest strengths is its advanced academic program. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across various subjects. Students can pursue advanced coursework in areas including math, science, English, social studies, world languages, and computer science. Lindblom has a strong STEM focus through its Biotechnology Center of Excellence, which gives students opportunities to explore biotechnology and lab science. For students interested in technology and engineering, Lindblom offers career and technical education pathways in Computer Networking, Game Programming and Web Development, Pre-Engineering, and a Teaching Academy. These programs allow students to connect classroom learning with practical skills and explore potential career interests before applying to university.
Beyond academics, Lindblom provides students with a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in academic organizations such as math team, science club, technology club, debate, journalism, chess, and yearbook, as well as service and leadership opportunities. The arts are another important part of the school community, with opportunities including band, orchestra, choir, dance, photography, graphic design, painting, ceramics, and theater. Lindblom also offers a broad athletics program, with sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, water polo, wrestling, golf, tennis, bowling, cross country, and track and field.
With its combination of selective enrollment academics, advanced coursework, specialized STEM programs, distinctive language opportunities, career-focused pathways, and diverse extracurricular activities, Lindblom offers students many ways to challenge themselves and discover their interests. It is a particularly strong fit for students drawn to math, science, technology, and engineering, but its arts, languages, athletics, and humanities opportunities make it much more than a STEM-focused school.
Admission to Lindblom is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Lindblom or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!
King College Prep: Learn More About This Chicago Selective Enrollment High School!
Leading up to the PreACT 9 this October, Test Prep Chicago will feature all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School.
King College Prep stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and student engagement. Located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, the school has built a reputation for preparing students not only for college but also for meaningful careers and life as active citizens. Its mission emphasizes academic growth, leadership, and social responsibility, creating an environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom.
One of the school's greatest strengths is its rigorous academic program. King College Prep offers a comprehensive college prep curriculum, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across a wide range of subjects. Students can take AP classes in disciplines such as English, math, science, social studies, world languages, and the arts, giving them opportunities to earn college credit while developing the study skills and critical thinking needed to succeed once they reach the university level. The school also offers career and technical education pathways, including Architectural Drafting, Computer Programming, Digital Media, and Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering, allowing students to gain practical, career-focused experience before graduation. This makes King an ideal school for students sure of their future field of study or career path who are looking for the opportunity to grow and gain experience during high school. It is also an ideal program for students looking to experiment with a wide variety of subjects and potential careers before applying to colleges. King also offers inclusive special education services designed to maintain a strong college prep focus.
Beyond traditional academics, King College Prep provides students with diverse learning opportunities and extracurricular programs that support creativity and personal growth. The school's arts programs include band, jazz band, drama, choir, dance, piano, visual arts, graphic design, photography, AP Studio Art, and Art History. Students also have access to world language courses in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL), and academic organizations such as the math team, debate team, National Honor Society, science club, and philosophy club. Leadership opportunities are available through student council, peer leaders, and community service initiatives, while cultural organizations celebrate diversity and encourage civic engagement. All of these extracurricular opportunities allow students to learn valuable skills, cultivate friendships, and develop an acute awareness of their own interests and strengths.
Admission to King is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending King or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!
South Shore International College Prep: Discover What Makes This Selective Enrollment High School Special
Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will feature all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting South Shore International College Prep High School.
South Shore International College Prep High School is one of Chicago's selective enrollment high schools. Located in the South Shore neighborhood, South Shore is recognized for its rigorous academics, internationally focused curriculum, and commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, South Shore provides a challenging learning environment where students are encouraged to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and engaged global citizens.
Students at South Shore participate in a rigorous college prep curriculum built around the IB framework. During their freshman and sophomore years, students complete the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and the development of strong research and communication skills. As juniors and seniors, students have the opportunity to pursue either the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme, both of which are internationally recognized for their academic rigor and emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and real-world application. Additionally, students in the IB Middle Years Programme complete the Personal Project, an independent research project, allowing them to explore a topic of personal interest. Students pursuing the full IB Diploma also complete the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements.
Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, student organizations, performing arts groups, community service opportunities, and athletics. As a result of its diverse extracurricular opportunities and rigorous academic and IB programs, South Shore attracts motivated students with diverse interests and aspirations. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while developing the skills needed to succeed after graduation.
Admission to South Shore is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending South Shore or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!
Learn More About Hancock College Prep: What Makes this Selective Enrollment High School Unique?
Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we're spotlighting Hancock College Preparatory High School.
Hancock College Preparatory High School is one of Chicago's selective enrollment high schools. Located in the Clearing neighborhood on Chicago's south side, Hancock is recognized for its rigorous academics, strong college preparatory curriculum, and commitment to helping students succeed in college and beyond. The school provides a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while developing the skills needed for future success.
Students at Hancock have access to a wide selection of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including participation in the AP Capstone Diploma Program, allowing them to engage in college-level coursework across a variety of subject areas. In addition to its AP offerings, Hancock provides Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment opportunities through City Colleges of Chicago, giving students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school. The school also offers courses in STEM, world languages, fine arts, and a variety of electives that allow students to explore their academic interests. Beyond the classroom, students can participate in numerous extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, student organizations, performing arts, and IHSA athletics, giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and pursue their passions.
One of Hancock's distinctive academic opportunities is its participation in Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), a nationally recognized program that allows students to work on engineering and design projects that address real-world needs in their communities. Combined with its challenging coursework and college-focused curriculum, these experiences help prepare students for a wide range of future academic and career pathways.
Hancock attracts motivated students with diverse interests and aspirations, from future engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and educators to artists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. The school's emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and college readiness creates an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential while preparing for success after graduation.
Admission to Hancock is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Hancock or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!
Spotlight on Westinghouse: Learn More about the Selective Enrollment High School in Chicago!
Leading up to the PreACT 9, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring all eleven CPS selective enrollment high schools and some top AP, IB, and Honors high school programs in Chicago, breaking down each program and what makes them unique on our blog. This week, we’re spotlighting George Westinghouse College Prep.
Westinghouse College Prep is one of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. Westinghouse offers a rigorous college-preparatory experience designed to challenge academically motivated students while providing opportunities to explore career interests and develop skills beyond the classroom. The school is distinctive in that it serves students through both its selective enrollment program and its Career Academy, creating a diverse school community with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, college readiness, and career preparation.
Academically, Westinghouse gives students extensive opportunities to take advanced coursework. The school offers a wide range of AP courses, providing students with the chance to pursue college-level material across a variety of subjects. Its advanced offerings include courses in subjects such as U.S. History and Computer Science, giving students opportunities to explore both traditional academic disciplines and STEM fields. These rigorous courses help students develop the analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in college.
Westinghouse also stands out for the breadth of its extracurricular and career-focused opportunities. Students can participate in academic organizations such as debate, science and technology clubs, as well as creative programs including band, theater, art, photography, and other performing and visual arts opportunities. Athletics provide another avenue for students to get involved, with offerings including basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, swimming, cross country, track, wrestling, and softball. These activities give students opportunities to build leadership skills, collaborate with their peers, and pursue interests outside of their academic coursework.
For students interested in career exploration, Westinghouse offers particularly strong opportunities through its Career Academy and career-focused programming. The school combines college preparation with opportunities to explore technology, computer science, and other career-related fields, making it an appealing option for students who want to connect their academic studies with potential future careers. At the same time, Westinghouse emphasizes a rigorous curriculum and the support students need to succeed.
Westinghouse attracts students with a wide range of interests and aspirations, from future computer scientists, engineers, and business professionals to artists, athletes, writers, and community leaders. Its combination of selective enrollment academics, advanced coursework, career-focused programming, extracurricular activities, and student support creates an environment where students can challenge themselves while exploring the interests that will shape their futures. For families considering Chicago’s selective enrollment options, Westinghouse is especially noteworthy for the way it brings rigorous college preparation and career exploration together under one roof.
Admission to Westinghouse is competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the new PreACT 9. If your student is interested in attending Westinghouse or another selective enrollment high school, Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!
CPS Announces “PreACT 9 Secure” as New CPS High School Entrance Exam
Yesterday, CPS announced to school leaders that, beginning this fall, the CPS HSAT test will be replaced by a new exam, the PreACT 9 Secure. This test will be the new exam used for the GoCPS high school admissions process, and will be offered to all 8th-grade students.
Overall, students can expect the following changes when taking the new exam:
The PreACT 9 Secure is a longer test than the CPS HSAT. The CPS HSAT lasted one hour, while the PreACT 9 Secure will last approximately two and a half hours.
The PreACT 9 Secure includes 4 sections, while the CPS HSAT only included 2. The CPS HSAT had a 30-minute Math section and a 30-minute Reading section; the PreACT 9 Secure will have a 35-minute ELA section, a 40-minute Reading section, a 45-minute Math section, and a 35-minute Science section.
The PreACT 9 Secure will only be available in English, though it will still have accommodations for ESL students. The CPS HSAT had been available in multiple languages, but the PreACT 9 Secure will not have this option available.
CPS has cited the following reasons for this adjustment:
The PreACT 9 Secure provides more information to high school staff on students entering their 9th-grade course. As the PreACT 9 Secure has four sections (Math, Reading, ELA, and Science) and tests more skills than the CPS HSAT, it can be used for more than just admissions, providing high schools with meaningful information on student performance that can lead to course placement and programming decisions.
The PreACT 9 Secure aligns with the ACT. This will help students gain experience with the structure of the ACT, which they will take later in high school. CPS now administers the ACT to all CPS high school students.
The PreACT 9 Secure has more publicly available information and content. The CPS HSAT did not have information publicly available regarding length, sections included, and content. The PreACT 9 Secure is a test used across the country, meaning that students will now have more access to information about what to expect on the exam. Additionally, because the exam is widely used, there will be greater access to free or low-cost test prep resources.
The PreACT 9 Secure is a tested, stable platform. In the past, students encountered multiple issues with the platform used for the CPS HSAT. The PreACT platform has stronger, more stable technology and security.
Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.
When Should Students Begin Preparing for Chicago’s 8th Grade High School Entrance Exams?
With springtime of 2026 moving along quickly, many 7th-grade parents want to know: when should students begin to prepare for the CPS HSAT for Selective Enrollment Schools, HSPT for Catholic High Schools, and ISEE for Independent Schools? All three of these exams are important parts of the high school application process, and many parents begin to get anxious about admissions requirements and testing as the summer approaches. Below, Test Prep Chicago is happy to provide recommendations for when to begin test prep for each of these exams.
For students in Chicago who plan to apply to Selective Enrollment High Schools, the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is an important part of the process. It is scheduled each fall; for example, CPS students took the CPS HSAT in early October in 2025 for the 2025-2026 season, with non‑CPS students following on later weekend dates in October. This year, we expect the exam to be taken on Wednesday, October 7th by CPS students, and subsequent weekends in October by non-CPS students. Because the CPS HSAT is offered only once per year and there are no retakes, preparation timing matters. At Test Prep Chicago, we recommend starting during the summer before 8th grade, about three months before the test begins. Beginning prep in July or August gives students a gentle ramp‑up period to build familiarity with the test format and strengthen core math and reading skills before 8th grade gets busy.
For students in Chicago who plan to apply to Catholic High Schools, they will take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). The exam is scheduled the same way each year for all schools, and will take place on the first Saturday of December. For the 2026-2027 application season, this will fall on Saturday, December 5th. As such, we recommend that all students planning to take the HSPT begin prep around 3 months in advance of the exam, around early September to mid-October. For students planning to take both the CPS HSAT and HSPT, we recommend that students begin with foundational Math and Reading prep that will be applicable to both exams over the summer before their 7th grade year, and round out with preparing for the remaining sections once the CPS HSAT has been taken.
Finally, for students across the country planning to apply to Independent or Private High Schools, exam dates for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) vary. Students can find out about potential 2026-2027 application season testing dates here, and may take the exam once per season (fall, winter, or spring/summer). Most 8th grade students end up taking the exam in early January, and we recommend beginning prep for this around October of a student’s 8th grade year. If a student is also taking the CPS HSAT and/or the HSPT, TPC recommends that students, again, begin with preparation for the Math and Reading sections that appear on all three exams, before branching out into material that is applicable to the additional sections on the HSPT and ISEE.
If you have any questions about our recommendations for 8th Grade High School Entrance Exam (HSEE) prep, please contact our team at info@testprepchicago.com! Come June and July of 2026, parents will be able to see our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here, our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for any, or all, of the HSEEs here.
Jones College Prep: A Chicago Selective Enrollment High School Standout
Jones College Prep, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is one of the city's most sought-after selective enrollment high schools. With its blend of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a central location that provides unique learning opportunities, Jones has become a destination for students aiming for both scholarly achievement and personal growth.
Jones College Prep is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and high-performing student body. The school offers a comprehensive slate of Advanced Placement courses, including over 20 AP options across subjects such as calculus, biology, U.S. history, and computer science. Students at Jones consistently earn top-tier standardized test scores, with an average SAT score around 1320. The school's graduation rate remains high, and students regularly exceed state benchmarks in both math and reading proficiency. This level of performance is a reflection not only of the school’s strong academic culture but also of the dedicated faculty who support and challenge students to reach their full potential.
What makes Jones especially unique is its downtown location, which creates access to museums, cultural institutions, and internship opportunities. This campus is part of what sets Jones apart from other selective enrollment schools, as it integrates the resources of the city into its educational model, offering students real-world exposure and experiential learning opportunities few schools can match. This means that Jones can be a great option for students looking to work or attend college in the city of Chicago after graduation, or students who learn best in hands-on environments.
Beyond academics, Jones College Prep is known for its dynamic extracurricular programs. Whether students are interested in the arts, STEM, athletics, or service, there’s something for everyone. The school has a strong robotics team, a competitive Model UN program, and well-regarded visual and performing arts departments. Music ensembles, theater productions, and academic teams all contribute to a lively student culture. Athletically, Jones fields competitive teams across a variety of sports, including soccer, cross country, and volleyball. Clubs and student organizations also play a huge role in campus life, with students regularly leading initiatives in civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and social justice.
Admission to Jones College Prep remains highly competitive. Like all of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, applicants must take the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT), which is coming up soon in October. For students aiming to earn a seat at Jones, strong test preparation can make all the difference.
That’s where Test Prep Chicago comes in. Through our group courses (click here), one-day workshops (click here), and one-on-one tutoring sessions (click here), we help students master the content and strategies necessary to excel on the CPS HSAT.
Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting Chicago’s top selective enrollment high schools!
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School: A Leader Among Chicago’s Selective Enrollment High Schools
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School stands as one of Chicago’s most esteemed and consistently top-ranked selective enrollment high schools. Named after civil rights leader Whitney Young, it opened in the 1970s and was Chicago’s first public magnet high school. Since then, it has remained one of the city’s most competitive schools for admissions.
Academically, Whitney Young offers a rigorous, college-preparatory oriented curriculum that includes a broad selection of Advanced Placement courses (approximately 31 to 33 options). Students achieve both a high SAT average (around 1350) and a solid average ACT score (about 31). These metrics reflect strong college readiness among its student body. Student performance in-class is equally impressive. The school achieves a graduation rate near 99%, and its students score in the top percentile on state proficiency exams. In math, about 91% of students reach proficiency, and in reading, about 89%.
Whitney Young also offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The school boasts a large number of student clubs, strong performing arts programs, and a competitive athletics department that regularly achieves success in district and regional competitions, specifically in boys' basketball. Most notably, Whitney Young has a nationally recognized debate team and STEM-related/academic programs, meaning it is the perfect place for a student gravitating toward a career in politics or law. They also have a decorated speech program and theatre program, making it a magnet for artistic students!
Admissions to Whitney Young remain highly competitive. Students must perform strongly on the CPS selective enrollment test, and acceptance is considered difficult to attain. If you have a student hoping to attend Whitney Young, Test Prep Chicago can help. 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.
Stay tuned — over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting more of Chicago’s top selective enrollment schools to help families make informed choices about CPS high school options.
Spotlighting Lane Tech College Prep: What Makes this Selective Enrollment High School Stand Out
Lane Tech College Prep is one of Chicago’s most prominent and competitive selective enrollment high schools. Founded in 1908, it was renamed to its current title to highlight its college-preparatory emphasis. It remains one of the oldest and largest high schools in Illinois, serving over 4,500 students.
Academically, Lane Tech offers a rigorous curriculum, built to prepare students for success in college. The school's curriculum features over 100 electives and course options. Lane Tech also offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program featuring over 32 options, where every student is expected to take at least one AP course. This diversity of subjects, from STEM to languages to the arts, is ideal for students seeking depth, specificity, and variety in their academic programming.
Lane Tech students consistently perform at high academic levels. The graduation rate is approximately 96%, and students average an SAT score of 1290 and an ACT score of 29, indicating that students begin their senior year at Lane Tech prepared for college applications, and finish it ready for the college experience.
In addition to academics, Lane Tech is well-known for its vibrant extracurricular offerings, including a wide array of clubs, fine arts, STEM programs, and sports teams that contribute to a dynamic student experience. Notably, Lane Tech has a long-standing reputation as one of the most athletically competitive high schools in CPS, consistently performing well in city competitions and qualifying for state-level events. For students looking for a wide array of extracurriculars, athletic opportunities, and academic rigor, Lane Tech is a strong option.
For students aiming to attend Lane Tech, Test Prep Chicago offers targeted CPS HSAT preparation to help build confidence and performance on test day. 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.
Stay tuned — over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting more of Chicago’s top selective enrollment schools to help families make informed choices about CPS high school options.