School Search Tips

1.  COLLECT INFORMATION AND COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Review the CPS elementary and high school directories to find school performance information, including: Standardized test scores, student attendance rates, graduation rates, and parent/student survey results.

2.  REVIEW SCHOOL REPORT CARDS
Schools are required to post their test scores and performance so that parents may review how the school is performing overall.  Ensure you review these when deciding which school may be the right choice for you and your child.

3.  MAKE A LIST
Based on your research, make a list of 5-10 schools to which you and your child are interested in applying.  Make sure and ask tough questions such as the questions here:  School Tour Checklist.

4.  KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES
Application deadlines vary, but K-8 usually are due in January, while high school applications are due in the fall. Submit early if you can.

5. WHAT IS A LOTTERY
A lottery is held when there are more applications than available seats.  By state law, any time a charter school has more applications than seats available, it must conduct a lottery to fill the seats.

6.  SUBMIT MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
Be sure to apply to multiple schools to increase your chances of admission.

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