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.