Choosing a School That Is Right for your Child

2013 Information Session

Agenda Overview
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Welcome and Introductions Selection Overview Process High Schools and Programs by Admissions Process Tips for Successful Applications What Happens after the Application? Closing Suggestions Helpful Resources

Education and Salary

Studies show that the more degrees students complete, the better their potential earnings will be

Average Salary By Education Level

Average Annual EarningsDifferent Levels of Education. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Surveys, March 1998, 1999, and 2000.

and getting ready for college starts with picking the right high school!
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Education and Unemployment

US Department of Labor statistics show that the more degrees students complete, the lower the unemployment rate is

Average Unemployment Rate By Education Level

Household Data Annual AveragesDifferent Levels of Education. Source: U.S Department of Labor, www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat.pdf

Again.getting ready for college starts with picking the right high school!
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CPS has choices to meet a variety of learning styles and interests

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high schools

Neighborhood Small Career academy Charter and contract Magnet Military academy Selective enrollment
Career and Technical Education College and Career Academies Magnet programs International Baccalaureate (IB) AVID, JROTC and others

Similar to a college application

process. Variety of choices/ programs Admission procedures Start Early!

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programs

How do I select a High School?

Think about these areas first:
Location: What schools are nearby your home? What schools have easy commutes from your home? Use CTAs Plan a trip feature to estimate commute times. School Size: Are you looking for a large school with many curricular and extracurricular offerings, or a small school with a close-knit community? Interest Areas, Curriculum and Courses: What are your academic interests and strengths? Are you looking for a high school with any particular focus or specific courses? What type of afterschool programs are offered? Extracurriculars: What types of extracurricular activities (including sports and clubs) would help round out your academic experiences?

School Performance: How well are students performing compared to other schools? What are the AP placement, graduation, and college-going rates?
School Expectations & Culture: What are the hours and uniform requirements? Are current students, staff and parents friendly?

High School Application Overview

7 Identify your neighborhood school Interests Preferences Location Grades & scores Review Eligibility Letter (with PIN) School application requirements 1. Research (Sept) 2. Choose (Oct-Nov) Meet with counselor Attend open houses and CPS events Attend Peterson HS Fair Schedule interviews and/or SE Exam Identify multiple schools and programs Follow application instructions Apply online if possible or mail according to instructions Use correct forms Register for exam if applicable 3. Apply (no later than Dec 13)

Selection process from Feb to May 2013. Pick up Options for Knowledge guide for more information.

Choices by Admissions Process

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N A A+

No application required Application

Requires application only

Refer to High Schools at Glance guide for all schools and programs that require an application

Application Plus
Requires application + recommendations, audition, interview or exam

Lets review a few popular High Schools options

Neighborhood School

Neighborhood High Schools (sometimes referred to as Zoned School) offer admission to any student in the attendance area. They vary significantly in terms of quality, size, and program offerings so it is best to investigate the high schools and determine if they are a good fit for the child.
Did you know that approximately 70% of CPS High School students attend a school other than their neighborhood high school?

High School Options

To find your assigned neighborhood high school: School Locator Page - Department of School Demographics and Planning To find out more information on the high school: Chicago Public Schools : High schools

Admissions
Students in the attendance area are automatically enrolled in these schools Most neighborhood high schools have spaces for non-attendance area students. Applications are available either at the school office or on the schools website.

Criteria are determined by the neighborhood school.

Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS)

11 Selective Enrollment High Schools provide academically advanced students with a challenging and enriched college preparatory experience. Each of the Selective Enrollment High Schools offers a rigorous curriculum with mainly honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Teachers expect students to be self-driven and highly engaged with their studies. The schools strive to develop students critical and analytical thinking skills, and promote diverse academic inquiry by bringing together students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Did you know that 2/3 of the entrance requirements for selective enrollment are determined in 7th Grade?

High Schools
Brooks College Preparatory High School Jones College Preparatory High School King College Preparatory High School Lane Technical High School Lindblom Math and Science Academy Northside College Preparatory High School Payton College Preparatory High School Westinghouse High School Whitney Young Magnet High School

Admissions
Students must complete an application & take an entrance exam o Applications are due in Dec. o Applications are available at: http://www.cpsoae.org/ o Entrance Exams begin in October and end in January Students are selected based on a total score of 900 points. o 7th Grade Grades: 300 points o 7th Grade ISAT: 300 points o 8th Grade SE Entrance Exam: 300 points

Use SEHS/Military Academy Application. Obtain Options for Knowledge guide in October for addtl info

Military Academies
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps - JROTC
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The CPS Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Military Academies are unique four-year learning centers at high schools for students wishing to develop managerial, leadership, teambuilding skills and self-discipline (all of which can be used in a wide variety of career fields). Students study in a small school environment and receive a college prep curriculum and military training and discipline from a team of teachers and JROTC instructors. Each academy focuses on a specific branch of the military; Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.
Did you know that If you choose a military academy, it does not mean that your child will have to join the military?

High Schools
Air Force Academy High School Carver Military Academy Chicago Military Academy Marine Math & Science Academy Phoenix Military Academy Rickover Naval Academy

Admissions
Students must have achieved at least a total stanine of 10 on their 7th grade ISAT scores (a combination of reading comprehension and math score). Students will also be required to complete a questionnaire and essays, as well as attend an information session. Students must apply to programs using the Military Academy Application found at: http://www.cps.edu/Schools/High_schools/Pages/Milita ryacademy.aspx

Use SEHS/Military Academy Application. For more information visit www.chicagojrotc.com

Magnet High Schools and Programs

13 Magnet high schools have programs that place emphasis on particular subject areas like math/science or world language. A number of these schools do not have attendance boundaries so any student from across Chicago can apply. Even when schools have boundaries, they admit some students from outside.

High Schools and Programs

Michele Clark Academic Prep High School Curie High School Von Steuben Metropolitan Science HS Chicago High School For Agricultural Sciences Harlan Engineering Program Senn Fine and Performing Arts Program Disney II Magnet High School

Admissions
Students must apply to programs using the centralized Magnet Application found at: http://www.cpsoae.edu Students must have achieved at least a total stanine of 10 on their 7th grade ISAT scores (a combination of reading comprehension and math score) Admissions criteria differs by school. All magnet schools require an application and some require additional testing or audition. Students are accepted based on randomized lottery

Charter Schools
Charter schools are publicly funded schools but operate independent of the Chicago Public School system. They have autonomy over curriculum, schedule, budget, staffing, governance and student discipline. Each school has a separate philosophy and often different focus (math and science, the arts, etc) so it is important to research each school. 14

High School Options

Architecture, Construction, Engineering (ACE) Technical HS Amandla Aspira (Ramirez, Early College) CICS HS (Ellison, Hawkins, Longwood, Northtown) Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA) HS Chicago Talent Development HS Chicago Virtual HS Dusable Leadership Academy HS EPIC Academy HS Henry Ford Academy: Power House HS Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy HS Intrinsic High School Legal Prep Charter Academy Noble HS (Chicago Bulls, Comer, Golder, Johnson, Muchin, Noble, Pritzker, Rauner, Rowe-Clark, UIC) North Lawndale College Prep (Christiana, Collins) Perspectives (HS of Technology, Leadership Acad., Math and Science, Joslin) Prologue (Joshua Johnston) University of Chicago Woodlawn High School UNO Charter School (Garcia campus) Urban Prep (Bronzeville, Englewood, West) Young Womens Leadership HS Youth Connections HS (YCCS)

Admissions
Students must apply to each charter school directly. Application dates vary considerably from school to school. Applications are often available on the website or at the school office. Students are selected based on a randomized lottery. While there are no eligibility requirements for entrance to charter high schools, many schools do require you attend an information session prior to applying. More information is available at: cps.edu/newschools

Contact each school for application forms and instructions

Contract Schools
Contract schools are CPS schools that are managed by external organizations. Contract schools must adhere to the Illinois School Code and CPS student-related policies. 15

High School Options

Chicago Academy for Advanced Technology (CAAT) HS Chicago High School for the Arts Community Services West (CSW) Career Academy HS Prologue Early College HS

Admissions
Students must apply to each contract school directly. Application dates vary from school to school. Applications are often available on the website or at the school office. Students are selected based on a randomized lottery. While there are no eligibility requirements for entrance to contract high schools, many schools do require you attend an information session prior to applying. More information is available at: cps.edu/newschools

Contact each school for application forms and instructions

Lets review a few popular CPS programs

(for magnet programs refer to High School at a glance guide)

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

17 IB programs are rigorous, college preparation programs. They meet international standards and are recognized by universities throughout the world. Students may receive up to one year of college credit based on performance.

High School Options

Amundsen High School Bogan High School Hyde Park Academy Curie High School Hubbard High School Morgan Park High School Kelly High School Lincoln Park High School Ogden International School Steinmetz Academic Center Prosser Career Academy Senn High School Washington High School Taft High School South Shore International High School

Admissions
Application to program is required. Must attend an information session at the school. Pre-eligibility requirements apply Minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Apply using centralized application at www.cpsoae.org

Obtain Options for Knowledge guide in October or visit www.cpsoae.org

College and Career Academies (Programs)

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Offer students industry-focused coursework in addition to (and often integrated directly into) college prep curriculum. CCAs provide students with real-world experience through job shadowing, internships and summer jobs. In addition, students participating in CCAs can often earn college credits or certifications in specific industries while still in high school!

High School Options

Austin Polytech Austin Business (ABEA) Crane Curie Dunbar Fenger Harlan Harper Juarez Julian Manley Marshall Mather Richards Roosevelt Schurz Southshore Sullivan Wells

Admissions
Lottery Academies
Students are selected using a lottery with preference given to students with 7th grade ISAT stanine of at least 5 in both math and reading. Students with IEP / 504 plan and bilingual education students receive preferential status when their stanines in reading comprehension and total math total at least 10. A minimum of 30% of available seats will be filled by attendance area students, when possible.

PROGRAM OPTIONS
Agriculture & Horticulture Broadcast Technology/Digital Media Business Construction & Architecture Culinary & Hospitality Education & Training Health Science Human Services Information Technology Law & Public Safety Manufacturing & Pre-Engineering Transportation

Selective Academies
All students are assigned points selected based on 7th grade final GPA and ISAT stanine totals. Some programs may assign points to 1) a statement of interest 2) a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor or principal and 3) an interview. Students are rank-ordered by total points, and students meeting/exceeding programs cut score are offered placement

Use College and Career Academy application ; Obtain Options for Knowledge guide in October for addtl info

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps JROTC

19 The Mission of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) in CPS is to motivate high school students and teach them the value of citizenship, leadership, service to community, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork and self-discipline.
Did you know that students in JROTC do not have to join the military? For more information visit our website at: www.chicagojrotc.com

Schools with JROTC

Corliss Curie Chicago Vocational Academy Clemente Douglass Dunbar Dyett Team Englewood Farragut (Academy in a School) Fenger Foreman Gage Park Harlan Harper Hirsch Hubbard Hyde Park Juarez Kelvyn Park

Schools with JROTC

Lake View Lane Tech Lincoln Park Lindblom Manley Morgan Park Phillips Prosser Roosevelt Schurz Simeon Senn School of Leadership Steinmetz Sullivan Taft Tilden Wells

Contact school directly for program enrollment instructions or visit www.chicagorotc.com

AVID- Advancement Via Individual Determination

20 AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

Schools with AVID

Alcott HS Amundsen HS Chicago Vocational HS Clark HS Corliss HS Crane HS Curie HS Dunbar HS Gage Park HS Harlan HS Harper HS Hirsch HS Hope HS Hubbard HS Hyde Park HS Infinity HS Julian HS Kelly HS Kelvyn Park HS Kenwood HS Lake View HS Marine Academy Mather HS New Millenium North-Grand HS Orr HS Phillips HS Phoenix Military Raby HS Robeson HS Roosevelt HS School of Leadership HS Schurz HS Senn HS Steinmetz HS Taft HS V.O.I.S.E Wells HS Williams, D

Contact school for enrollment details; visit www.avidonline.org or contact the CPS AVID at 773-553-1639

Lets review a few options outside CPS

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Did you know that 98% of students in Chicagos parochial schools graduate and 95% move on to college?

Parochial Schools

A+

Parochial schools are run through the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Although run by a Catholic organization, students from all religions are welcome to apply. These schools have a tuition fee associated with them, however scholarships and financial aid options are available.

Admissions
Though admissions differs by school, in general, most Catholic High Schools will ask for:
1. 7th & 8th grade grades 2. ISAT or EXPLORE test scores 3. Take the Catholic School Entrance Exam (many schools require that you take the entrance exam at the school you are hoping to attend) 4. Essays and/or letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or principals 5. For some schools, discipline records may be requested as well

High School Options

Popular Schools
St. Ignatius Mount Carmel Hales Franciscan Gordon Tech De LaSalle Loyola Cristo Rey Notre Dame

For a complete listing: http://schools.archchicago.org/

Like Charter Schools, it is recommended to visit the school website to learn about admissions requirements and key dates because schools may differ. Interested students must apply directly to the school

Private Schools

A+

Private schools are not public, nor affiliated with a church or organization. They vary considerably in terms of size, quality, and area of focus. Like parochial schools, these schools come with a tuition fee. However, there are scholarship and financial aid options for those interested in attending.

Admissions
Though admissions differs by school, in general, most private High Schools will ask for:
Students 7th & 8th grade grades 7th grade ISAT scores Students must also take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) Students will need to write an essay and submit letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or principal. It is also helpful to demonstrate community service of some sort (i.e. camp counseling, church service, etc.) to get into these schools.

High School Options

Popular Private/Independent Schools: Chicago Waldorf School Latin School of Chicago Loyola High School Morgan Park Francis Parker University of Chicago Laboratory School Popular Boarding Schools: Lake Forest Academy Glenwood School For a complete listing: http://www.greatschools.net/illinois/chicago/pri vate/high-schools/

Like Charter Schools, it is recommended to visit the school website to learn about admissions requirements and key dates because schools may differ. Interested students must apply directly to the school

Scholarship Options
What is required to apply for scholarships?
Students must submit an application in the fall of their 8th grade year or their 5th/6th grade year for High Jump.
Daniel Murphy Provides full tuition and support for a four year parochial or independent high school student. Link Unlimited Provides full scholarship funding for African-American males wanting to attend parochial or independent schools. High Jump Provides mentoring and supplemental instruction during middle school beginning in the 5-6th grades for motivated students demonstrating financial need. Many students become scholars or attend Selective Enrollment schools

Students are chosen based on their academic performance, non-academic activities and must demonstrate financial need.
Students must write a statement of interest, submit letters of recommendation and undergo an interview process.

HSF Chicago Provides partial tuition and support for a four year parochial or independent high school student.

Tips for Successful Selection

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Match of student interests and preferences to school academics, activities, sports, and culture
o o o o o

Go to www.chooseyourfuture.org for high schools and programs search Review each schools website Attend an Open House for every school you are interested in October Check school performance at http://research.cps.k12.il.us/cps/accountweb/iam_Parent/ Talk to your grade school counselor

Match of student academics to schools application requirements

Take into consideration student travel time in your selection

o o

Tardiness can have a negative impact on students learning and attendance records Go to CTA transit locator and estimate commute time to school choices

Select at least 5 school choices in various application processes, including your Neighborhood school
o o o o

Consider different school types throughout Chicago Consider different types of programs within schools Note that some schools may require an application for the school and program Speak to parents and students who have done the process before

What happens after the application?

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Selective Enrollment acceptance letters mailed out in February OAE Appeals and Principal Discretion Process. More details in Options for Knowledge Book coming up in October Stay tuned for open slots in high schools and programs. OAE has
an End of Year Options list of schools and helps families identify and apply for schools (and programs), including high schools, which still have seats available. Visit www.cpsoae.org for additional information.

Consider other school choices if did not get in top choices

Contact us if you need help

Closing Suggestions
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Apply early! Attend an application support workshop for assistance. Contact these schools directly for application/deadlines:
Schools: non-assigned neighborhood schools, charters and contract schools

Remember these Deadlines:

September: Information Sessions October: Citywide High School Open Houses November-December: Application Workshops

Programs: AVID, JROTC, visit chooseyourfuture.org for a full list of programs

December 13: Application deadline for most schools and programs

Helpful Websites
o Chicago Public High Schools website:
1) High Schools Descriptions: www.cps.edu/Schools/High_schools/Pages/HighSchools.aspx 2) Selecting a High School page. Go to cps.edu home page, under Tell me About list.

o School Locator (to find your neighborhood high school): schoollocator.cps.k12.il.us o Additional Program Information By High School: www.chooseyourfuture.org o Information about Selective Enrollment, Military Academies, IB programs, Magnet schools and Options for Knowledge guide: www.cpsoae.org o College and Career Academies: www.chooseyourfuture.org/college-and-career-academies o Military Academies and JROTC: www.chicagojrotc.com o Charter Schools: www.cps.edu/Schools/High_schools/Pages/Charter.aspx o AVID: www.avidonline.org o Office of Special Education and Supports: www.cpsspecialeducation.org o College & Career Planning: www.whatsnextillinois.org
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Questions??
Come visit us:
Mr. Coleman Room 110 Loft 1 773-534-5070 ext.18434 mscoleman3@cps.edu

Mrs. Reuter Room 120 773-534-5070 clreuter@cps.edu

And dont forget to attend our upcoming school activities:

Peterson High School Fair October 16th

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