The 2027-28 CPS selective-enrollment high-school application window is now open through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026. To start an application, log in to your existing GoCPS account or create a new one on the GoCPS portal page. Non-CPS students can register and select a test date for the PreACT 9 Secure during the process. There are four testing dates available: October 17-18 and October 24-25, 2026. Eighth graders who already attend a CPS school don’t need to regis

Starting this October, Chicago Public Schools is replacing the selective-enrollment High School Admissions Test (HSAT) with the PreACT 9 Secure. If you have a rising 8th grader, here's what's different. 1. It's a completely different test, not just a rename. The HSAT was a custom CPS exam; the PreACT 9 Secure is an ACT test that thousands of schools across the country already give their 8th and 9th graders. According to CPS’ chief education officer, the district made the swit