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.

The CPS HSAT: What You Need to Know

The CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is Chicago Public Schools’ official test for 8th graders applying to Selective Enrollment High Schools, as well as other public schools that feature International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and Double Honors programs. With the school year coming to a close, many parents of 7th-graders want to know as much as they can about the exam, so they can determine how to best help their student prepare. Below, find key information about the CPS HSAT!

The exam takes a total of 60 minutes and includes two sections: Reading and Math. The Reading section includes approximately 25 reading questions, which are to be completed in 30 minutes. The Math section includes approximately 39 math questions, which are also to be completed in 30 minutes. While there is no guessing penalty on the exam, it is single take only. Students are not allowed to use a calculator, and the test is administered online (though they are allowed to use scratch paper).

Though this is typically how the test is structured, students with learning disabilities, including ADHD, dyslexia, or processing disorders, can receive testing accommodations such as extended time (i.e. time-and-a-half, or 50% extended time), extra breaks, or small group testing. To get these accommodations, you must indicate on your GoCPS application that your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, which triggers a review by CPS. This will not negatively impact your student’s application process.

In regards to content, CPS does not publicly release official test materials, sample questions, or detailed outlines of what is covered on the exam. At Test Prep Chicago, we stay up-to-date on the material in these exams by conducting exit interviews each year with students right after they take the CPS HSAT. This allows us to adjust our materials and instruction based on the most recent trends, material, subjects, and question types that students encounter.

If your student is looking to begin preparing for the CPS HSAT, Test Prep Chicago can help! Parents can view our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for the CPS HSAT here.

All About George Westinghouse College Prep: What You Need to Know About This Selective Enrollment High School

Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Side, Westinghouse has carved out a distinctive identity, merging strong academics with real-world career readiness, developed within a community-driven environment that reflects the city’s diversity. Originally established in the 1930s as a vocational school, Westinghouse has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. In 2009, a state-of-the-art facility opened, symbolizing a new chapter for the school as a modern college preparatory institution with a selective enrollment program. Today, Westinghouse stands as a hybrid model: one part selective enrollment college prep, and one part career and technical education (CTE) pathways. This dual-track approach makes it extremely unique among Chicago's elite public high schools, offering a broader range of options for students with different post-graduation goals.

What sets Westinghouse apart is its commitment to rigor and hands-on training. While the selective enrollment track challenges high-achieving students with honors and Advanced Placement courses beginning in their freshman year, the school also invests heavily in its career programs. Students in the CTE track can pursue pathways in fields like medical sciences, business, information technology, and broadcasting, where they can gain hands-on experience, industry credentials, and even early college credit. It’s a structure designed to meet students where they are, whether they’re aiming for Ivy League schools or direct entry into a professional career. This makes Westinghouse an ideal school for a student who is dedicated to their academics and extracurriculars, but succeeds primarily in experiential learning environments, where they can directly and actively prepare for their futures.

Academically, Westinghouse delivers a strong foundation across the board. Its students have access to accelerated math tracks, advanced science labs, and AP courses in nearly every subject. Yet what really makes the experience feel different is how the school merges this academic push with a strong focus on student identity, culture, and expression. Programs in the arts, music, and writing (bolstered by partnerships with local organizations like 826CHI and Young Chicago Authors) help ensure that learning goes beyond textbooks and standardized tests.

Student life at Westinghouse reflects the school’s holistic approach. In addition to its academic and career programs, there are dozens of clubs, athletic teams, and creative outlets that help students find community and purpose. The school’s basketball program, idebate team, robotics club, and visual arts programs are especially well-known. And with modern facilities, including a natatorium, media production rooms, and well-equipped science labs, students have the resources to explore and innovate in whatever direction they choose.

If your child is hoping to attend George Westinghouse College Prep, or another Selective Enrollment High School, Test Prep Chicago can help you ace the CPS HSAT necessary for admission. 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.

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.

Spotlighting Walter Payton College Prep: What Makes the Selective Enrollment School so Coveted

Walter Payton College Prep is widely regarded as the most competitive of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, and for good reason. Consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the country, Payton offers a rigorous academic environment, exceptional faculty, and incredible preparation for a student's college application process, and later college experience.

Students benefit from a wide range of AP courses, high college placement rates, and unique global learning programs that include study abroad and language immersion. The school fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and leadership, supported by modern facilities including science labs, a black box theater, and a competition gym. This means that Walter Payton is an ideal school for students who are high achievers academically, while also harboring a lot of extracurriculars and additional interests.

Payton attracts a diverse group of students, including high-achieving scholars, aspiring scientists and engineers, world-language enthusiasts, artists, musicians, and more. While there is a strong sports program, it’s especially well-suited for students who are academically driven and excited by a high-energy, achievement-focused culture.

Admission is highly competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT).

Test Prep Chicago offers expert guidance and test preparation to help students succeed on the CPS HSAT and gain admission to top schools like Payton. In the coming weeks, we’ll be profiling other selective enrollment high schools to help families understand their options.

Interested in learning more about how we can support your student through their CPS HSAT prep? Our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring sessions (click here) include full-length practice tests, targeted homework, and supplemental materials designed to strengthen skills and build confidence over time. Our tutors teach proven test-taking strategies, time-management techniques, and pacing skills to help students stay sharp and focused on test day. By conducting exit interviews with students after they take the real exam, we are able to ensure our practice materials are constantly updated to reflect the latest test trends and content. 

Questions? Contact zoe@testprepchicago.com.