The CPS Selective-Enrollment High School Application Window + PreACT 9 Secure Registration Are Open

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 register for the PreACT 9 Secure. CPS will administer the test at all CPS schools on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

See the CPS high-school page for information about the high-school application process and the different programs available (selective enrollment, choice, neighborhood). There’s a list of important dates at the bottom of the page.

Finally, the GoCPS portal page has helpful information about each of the eleven Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS) programs. Click on the school you want to view and then go to Programs Offered > Selective Enrollment High School. This opens a brief overview of mostly program-level details; however, there are a couple of interesting and important things to look at for each school: 

• Previous application cycle data – This shows the number of applicants and number of offers that the school made for the 2026-27 school year. The numbers are a (shocking) reminder of how competitive the selective-enrollment process is (and the importance of a cohesive test-prep plan).

  
  

• The school’s profile page - follow the link on the page

  
  

Take some time to look at each school’s profile. They are packed with all the information you need to make an informed decision about the school’s program, including curriculum; percentage of students proficient in math, English and science; graduation rates; rates of participation in extracurricular activities; number of kids who take at least one AP course; and much more. Interesting reading, for sure.

Enjoy reading about the different SEHS options, start your application early, and keep an eye on important dates listed here.