Beginning this week, Chicago families can apply to schools for the 2018-19 academic year using GoCPS, the district’s new online application platform to simplify the process, as well as make it more accessible, equitable and transparent. GoCPS will reduce barriers to applying to all CPS high schools, district-managed elementary schools, and magnet pre-K programs using a single application. “With technology advancing so quickly, it was important to make it easier for families to apply to schools using the best available software,” said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool. “Investing in a new school application platform will improve families’ experience, along with helping them make the best possible decisions for their children about their school choices.”

“We heard families loud and clear – they wanted a simpler way to apply to schools. GoCPS is a major milestone for Chicago Public Schools as we not only make the application process simpler, but also more accessible and transparent for all our students and families,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “With GoCPS, we took the challenges our families faced applying to high school head on and made significant improvements that will increase access to all of our programs for all of our students. By combining these improvements with centralized access to both our elementary school and pre-K applications in one site, we have made it possible for families use a single platform to apply to their children’s schools.” The application period extends through December 22. Applications can be submitted online or through a paper process, and applications are available in both English and Spanish. Students and families who speak other languages can schedule time with an interpreter, if needed. CPS’ Office of Access and Enrollment operates a call center to provide support to anyone with questions about our application processes. The call center can be reached at (773) 553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. To learn more about GoCPS and applying to Chicago Public Schools, please visit www.go.cps.edu.