All About Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up this month and next, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center, a program with a long-standing reputation in Chicago Public Schools and a strong option for students ready for accelerated academics in middle school.

Kenwood Academy's Academic Center is a selective enrollment public school located in Chicago’s Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood, which serves students in grades 7 and 8. Like with any Academic Center attached to a CPS selective enrollment high school, students who complete their 7th and 8th grade years at the Academic Center are guaranteed a seat at Kenwood Academy High School should they want it, allowing for a smooth transition into ninth grade.

One of the defining features of Kenwood’s Academic Center is that it places middle school students in a high school setting with increased academic expectations. The program is designed to provide accelerated instruction that goes beyond the standard middle school curriculum, helping students develop strong study habits, independence, and readiness for high school coursework. Academic Center students take core classes such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies at an advanced pace compared to traditional middle schools. Kenwood’s Academic Center also stands out for offering students the opportunity to earn high school credit while still in middle school, depending on the course. These credits can count toward high school graduation requirements for students who remain at Kenwood, giving them early exposure to advanced academic pathways. This structure allows motivated students to move into higher-level coursework once they enter high school.

As part of the larger Kenwood Academy community, Academic Center students benefit from being on a campus with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Kenwood Academy is known for its strong arts programs, including band, choir, and visual arts, as well as competitive athletic teams that participate in the Chicago Public League. The school also offers numerous student organizations and clubs that support interests in leadership, academics, and creative expression. While participation rules vary by activity, Academic Center students are connected to this broader environment, and are able to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Overall, Kenwood Academy’s Academic Center offers a well-rounded academic experience for students who are ready for greater challenges and responsibilities in middle school. At Test Prep Chicago, we support students preparing for the Academic Center Entrance Exam/Regional Gifted Center Test by offering one-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring (click here). Our programs focus on building strong test-taking strategies, reinforcing essential tactics and skills necessary to succeed on the exam, offering plenty of test-taking practice, and helping students approach the test with confidence. Interested in learning more about the exam itself? Check out our breakdown here.

Learn More: Lindblom’s Academic Center

With the Academic Center Entrance Exam coming up in January/February of 2026, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 6th and 7th graders. This week, we’re spotlighting Lindblom’s Academic Center, a strong choice for students who are ready for advanced academics and an early start on high school-level learning.

Lindblom Academic Center is part of Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy, a selective enrollment public high school located on Chicago’s South Side. Lindblom is widely known for its rigorous academic expectations, especially in math and science, and for its unique year-round school calendar. The Academic Center serves students in grades 7 and 8 and students admitted to Lindblom’s Academic Center are guaranteed a seat in Lindblom’s high school if they choose to continue there, creating a smooth transition into ninth grade. 

Academic Center students take accelerated courses that go deeper and move faster than standard middle school classes. In math, students typically complete an integrated two-year Algebra sequence, allowing many to begin geometry when they enter high school. In science, students receive laboratory-based training and participate in in-depth experiments. Lindblom also offers unique world language opportunities, including Mandarin Chinese and Arabic, giving students exposure to languages not commonly available at the middle school level.

Furthermore, Lindblom uses a block schedule, which allows students to spend longer periods in each class and explore topics in greater depth. In addition to core subjects, students participate in enrichment courses called colloquia, which are project-based classes that explore a wide range of topics such as science, culture, the arts, and real-world problem solving. 

Outside the classroom, Academic Center students are connected to Lindblom’s broader school community and can take part in extracurricular activities alongside older students, including Debate, Robotics, Art Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, and Gay/Straight Alliance. The school’s athletic teams compete in the Chicago Public League, with sports such as basketball, football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, and track and field. 

Admission to Lindblom is selective and competitive, based on grades and performance on the CPS Academic Center Entrance Exam. At Test Prep Chicago, we support students preparing for the ACEE and more by offering one-day workshops (click here), ACEE prep courses (click here), and individual tutoring (click here), providing clear test-taking strategies, practice exams, homework, and a deep dive on material to help students feel prepared for the exam.

The ACT vs. the SAT: What You Need to Know

As students move closer to college applications, one big question often comes up: should my student take the ACT or the SAT? Both exams are widely accepted by colleges across the country, and neither test is considered “better” overall. That said, understanding how the ACT and SAT differ can help students choose the test that best fits them.

The SAT focuses heavily on reasoning, problem-solving, and working carefully through questions. It includes sections on Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, with an optional essay that very few colleges now require. The math section places a strong emphasis on algebra, data analysis, and word problems that require careful reading. The reading passages often involve complex vocabulary and ask students to analyze tone, evidence, and meaning. The SAT gives students a bit more time per question than the ACT (about 15-25 seconds more time per question), which can be helpful for students who like to think slowly and double-check their work.

The ACT, on the other hand, is faster-paced and more content-based. It includes four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The ACT English section focuses strongly on grammar rules and editing skills, while the math section covers a wider range of topics, including geometry and trigonometry. One major difference is the Science section, which tests students on how well they can interpret charts, graphs, and experiments rather than how much science content they have memorized. Because the ACT moves quickly, students must work efficiently and make decisions fast.

Students who tend to do well on the SAT are often strong readers, careful thinkers, and comfortable with multi-step problems. If a student prefers fewer questions with more time to think, enjoys analyzing passages, and feels confident with algebra and word problems, the SAT may be a better fit. The SAT can also feel more manageable for students who struggle with time pressure.

The ACT is often a better choice for students who work quickly, feel confident with grammar rules, and are comfortable switching between topics at a fast pace. Students who enjoy straightforward questions, do well interpreting graphs and data, and have strong math skills across many topics may find the ACT plays to their strengths. Students who are less intimidated by time limits often prefer the ACT’s style.

Many students don’t know which test suits them best until they try both. Taking a practice SAT and ACT is often the smartest way to decide, since real performance matters more than general preferences. Colleges accept scores from either exam equally, so the goal is simply to choose the test that allows a student to show their best abilities. Additionally, many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, which results in many students taking it each year. If your child is planning to take the ACT or SAT, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare through one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking.

A Spotlight on the Brooks Academic Center

As we lead up to the Academic Center Entrance Exam, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Academic Center options in Chicago for 7th and 8th graders. This week, we are spotlighting the Brooks Academic Center at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, an excellent opportunity for motivated students who are ready for an advanced program at a young age.

The Brooks Academic Center is part of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a highly regarded selective enrollment public high school located on Chicago’s South Side. The school is known for its strong academic focus and commitment to preparing students for college and high school, potentially at Brooks. 

Students at the Brooks Academic Center take courses that go beyond standard middle school material. The program is designed to prepare students for the rigorous high school curriculum offered at Brooks, which includes honors and Advanced Placement classes. One major benefit of attending the Academic Center is that students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed a seat in the Brooks high school, giving them a smooth transition into ninth grade. Teachers encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and strong study habits that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Student life at Brooks emphasizes both learning and personal growth. While specific club offerings can vary from year to year and depend on student interest and teacher sponsorship, Brooks supports a range of student organizations that allow kids to build leadership and teamwork skills. Organizations such as Student Ambassadors are open to Academic Center students, and allow students to represent Brooks at events, help with tours, and develop leadership skills. Furthermore, the school offers many sports, including cross country, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, bowling, baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and swimming for both boys and girls, as well as cheerleading and wrestling. Brooks also supports teams like chess for their Academic Center, a distinctive activity that has drawn attention as one of the few of its kind in the CPS system.

Admission to the Brooks Academic Center is competitive and based on academic performance and entrance exam results. For families interested in Brooks or other Academic Centers, strong test preparation can be very helpful. Test Prep Chicago supports students preparing for the ACEE and more by offering one-day workshops (click here), ACEE prep courses (click here), and individual tutoring (click here), providing clear test-taking strategies, practice exams, homework, and a deep dive on material to help students feel confident and ready for test day.

Let’s Learn About Lane Tech Academic Center

The Academic Center Entrance Exam (ACEE), also known as the Regional Gifted Center Test (RGC Test), plays a major role in admissions for selective enrollment 7th and 8th grade Academic Centers. There are 7 such Academic Centers in Chicago: Brooks, Kenwood, Lane Tech, Lindblom, Morgan Park, Taft, and Whitney Young. Students will be taking the ACEE in mid to late January; in the meantime, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring some of the top Academic Centers, laying out what makes them special. 

First up is Lane Tech. Founded in 1908, Lane Technical College Prep High School and Academic Center (also known as Lane Tech) is situated in Roscoe Village, a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Though founded many years ago, Lane Tech’s Academic Center opened in 2011. Since Lane Tech is both a selective enrollment high school and Academic Center, students enrolled in Lane’s academic center are automatically enrolled in Lane Tech’s high school program without needing to reapply.

Much like at other Academic Centers, students enrolled can gain high school credit for classes as well as work on material that is 1-2 years advanced. Furthermore, as early as their 7th-grade year, students at Lane Tech Academic Center begin receiving high school credit for classes like algebra, biology, global issues, and electives such as world language, art, music, or computer science. As students progress to high school, all Academic Center students at Lane are expected to take either Honor or Advanced Placement courses, though, still must meet all regular prerequisites in place by course instructors and departments. This puts students on track to already be taking AP courses (that may count for college credit) during their freshman year of high school.

In addition to academics, Lane Tech Academic Center also offers extracurriculars students would find at any other elementary school. Sports offered include cross country, track, basketball, soccer, and cheerleading to name a few. There are also other clubs and activities which include Student Council, Math Team, Yearbook, Science Olympiad, and Debate.

Admission scores for Selective Enrollment Academic Centers are calculated on a 600-point scale. 300 points are determined by the Academic Center Entrance Exam, and 300 points are determined by 5th grade scores in math, reading, science, and social studies. While we cannot know the scores required for admittance into Lane Tech for the 2026-27 school year, last year’s cutoff scores for Lane Tech are listed below:

Rank                    Min. Point Total

Tier 4                                   565

Tier 3                                   552.5

Tier 2                                   530

Tier 1                                   482.5

Admission to Lane Tech is highly competitive, and the Academic Center Entrance Exam is a key component in the admissions process. Test Prep Chicago offers individualized tutoring (click here), group courses (click here), and one-day workshops (click here) to ensure our students are as prepared as possible for the exam. Our extensive curriculum covers Number Series, Verbal and Figural Analogies, Paper Folding, Number Puzzles (Algebra), Figural Matrices, and more. We prepare students for every possible section that (to our knowledge) can appear on the ACEE. It is not too late to begin your student’s prep!

Thank you to Lauren Lynch, who compiled the majority of the research for this article for Test Prep Chicago. Her prior work on the subject can be found here. To find out more about Lane Tech Academic Center’s courses or extracurriculars, visit their website: https://lanetech.org/ltac/. To see the cutoff scores for all Selective Enrollment Academic Centers, click here.

Featuring Loyola Academy

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test (HSPT) this Saturday, December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top parochial schools in the area. This week, we are spotlighting Loyola Academy in Wilmette, a leading Catholic college-preparatory high school near Chicago.

Loyola Academy was founded in 1909 and is rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of faith, scholarship, and service. The school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, including a wide selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Students study English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, and theology, with opportunities for enrichment through specialized electives. Loyola also maintains strong college matriculation outcomes and is known for its committed and experienced faculty.

Additionally, student life at Loyola is well-rounded. The school supports numerous clubs, arts programs, athletic teams, and service opportunities. Extracurricular involvement is a major part of the Loyola experience, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. On the arts/performing-arts side, there are many clubs and activities including art clubs, jazz band, drumline, dance groups, theater/drama, and other visual & performing arts clubs. At the same time, athletics are a major strength: Loyola fields roughly 80 athletic teams across 34 different sports — making it one of the largest and most varied athletic programs among private/Catholic high schools in the area.

Admissions to Loyola Academy is competitive, and the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a key component of the application process. If your child is considering Loyola or another Catholic high school, focused preparation for the HSPT can make a meaningful difference. Test Prep Chicago offers individualized tutoring (click here), providing students with practice tests, targeted review, and proven strategies aligned with each section of the exam. Although the test is coming up very soon, scheduling even a one-hour session prior to the exam can help improve confidence, test-taking strategies, and scores. 

Learn More about St. Ignatius College Prep

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test on December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago. This week, we will be spotlighting St. Ignatius College Prep!

St. Ignatius was founded in 1869, and is well-known for its Ignatian philosophy, academic rigor, and incredible campus. Its main building survived the Great Chicago Fire, making it one of the few pre-fire structures still standing in the city. For this reason, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Chicago Landmark. The campus now spans more than 20 acres, and is located in the Near West Side neighborhood. The school’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Ignatian values; reflection, service, and social justice are central to its identity. Students are encouraged to develop academically, socially, and intellectually, preparing them to think critically and act compassionately. 

St. Ignatius also offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including 28 Advanced Placement courses. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1, allowing for personalized attention and strong relationships between students and faculty. Student life at Ignatius is also very vibrant; the school supports more than a hundred clubs, spanning academic, social, service, and community engagement interests. Their athletics program includes teams across many sports, and students compete in well-respected Catholic athletic conferences. The school is well known for its football and cross country teams!

Admissions to St. Ignatius is competitive. The school makes significant investments in financial aid, distributing millions of dollars in tuition assistance each year, making it a highly sought after program for high schoolers. If you or your child are looking to attend St. Ignatius or another Catholic high school, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a central part of the application process, and Test Prep Chicago can help you succeed! We are now offering one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for HSPT prep anytime (click here), in which they will be given access to thorough prep materials targeting each section of the HSPT. Our curriculum includes practice tests, and step-by-step solutions and strategies aligned with the HSPT format. We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT! 

Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Honors Programs at High Schools in Chicago: Comparing and Contrasting

Many high schools in Chicago utilize one of three main advanced programs in order to help their students learn: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Honors programs. While all three aim to challenge students and prepare them for college, they differ in structure, goals, and flexibility. Below, Test Prep Chicago discusses the similarities and differences between these three programs.

Advanced Placement (AP)
The AP program, created by the College Board, lets students take college-level courses in high school. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offers AP classes in more than 100 schools across subjects like English, history, math, science, and world languages. Each course concludes with a national exam, and high scores can earn students college credit or advanced standing at many universities. AP courses are very flexible; students can take a single AP class or several, depending on their interests. Some examples of schools that have Advanced Placement programs in Chicago are St. Ignatius, Walter Payton, Noble Academy, Latin School of Chicago, and Jones College Prep.

International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Programme emphasizes global perspectives, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary study. Students enrolled in the full IB Diploma Programme take a set of required courses, complete an extended essay, engage in community service, and take part in the Theory of Knowledge course, which promotes critical thinking. Chicago has one of the largest networks of IB schools in the country, including Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School, which offers the IB Diploma Programme, and the Lycée Français de Chicago, where students can pursue an IB track alongside the French Baccalaureate. IB programs are more structured than AP programs, requiring a multi-year commitment and a balanced course load across disciplines. Some examples of schools that have IB programs in Chicago are DePaul College Prep, Curie High School, St. Ignatius, Curie High School, and Latin School of Chicago.

Honors Program
Honors classes are designed to be more rigorous than standard courses, offering faster pacing and deeper exploration of material. Unlike AP or IB, however, Honors courses are not standardized nationally; instead, they are defined by individual schools or districts. Many Chicago high schools offer Honors classes starting in ninth grade as a way to prepare students for AP or IB coursework later on. At Mount Carmel High School, for example, students who complete four years of Honors or AP courses can graduate with an Honors Diploma. Some examples of schools that have Honors programs in Chicago are Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center High School, Northside College Prep, Latin School of Chicago, Lincoln Park High School, and Loyola Academy.

In Chicago, many schools offer a combination of these programs, which some offer only one. There are a variety of advanced programs available, and choosing among them depends on a student’s academic goals, learning style, and interest in global or college-level study.\

If your child is looking to improve their standardized test scores for High School Entrance Exams to be admitted to a program with an AP, IB, or Honors program, Test Prep Chicago can help. TPC still has one day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students preparing for the HSPT for Catholic High Schools and the ISEE for Independent High Schools.

Spotlighting DePaul College Prep

Over the next few weeks leading up to the HSPT for Catholic high schools, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago, laying out what makes them special. 

First up is DePaul College Prep! Located in Roscoe Village, DePaul College Prep has built its identity around rigorous academics, faith-rooted values, and a commitment to preparing students for college and life beyond high school. The school stands out among Chicago’s high schools for its ability to blend academic excellence with a strong sense of community and purpose.

Founded in 2014, DePaul College Prep emerged from a partnership between DePaul University and the former Gordon Tech High School. This collaboration combined the academic tradition of DePaul University with the long-standing Catholic heritage of Gordon Tech, producing a school that is both forward-thinking and grounded in faith. Like DePaul University, the school is sponsored by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians). Its mission continues to be guided by the values of St. Vincent de Paul, particularly in service to others, pursuit of justice, and the question at the heart of Vincentian faith: “What must be done?” As such, DePaul College Prep’s foundation in faith and service sets it apart. The school’s Vincentian mission emphasizes leadership through compassion, social responsibility, and community engagement. Students participate in service projects throughout Chicago, reflecting on how their faith can be lived through action. This emphasis on service and justice connects directly to the broader mission of DePaul University and fosters a culture of empathy, reflection, and purpose among students.

Academically, DePaul College Prep offers a robust curriculum that challenges students while providing personalized support. The school provides college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement courses, as well as the opportunity for dual enrollment with DePaul University for upperclassmen. It is also an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Furthermore, small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of about 13 to 1 allow teachers to build close relationships with students and tailor instruction to their strengths and goals. 

In addition to traditional coursework, students can explore liberal arts, STEAM, and design or engineering electives, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to find their personal niche or discover a new academic, athletic, or artistic interest. With more than 50 clubs and academic teams, there is something for everyone. whether a student is interested in robotics, theater, debate, or volunteering. DePaul College Prep’s athletic teams compete in the Chicago Catholic League (for boys) and the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference, and its new campus includes first-rate athletic facilities, turf fields, and modern practice spaces. The arts are equally supported, with a Black Box Theatre, visual arts studios, and performance spaces designed to nurture creativity and expression.

DePaul College Prep is an excellent fit for students who are academically motivated and eager to thrive in a college preparatory environment. It is especially well-suited for families seeking a co-educational Catholic high school that emphasizes faith, service, and community in equal measure. Students who are drawn to leadership, extracurricular involvement, and a close-knit campus culture will find themselves at home here. 

Admissions to DePaul College Prep can be very competitive. Students who desire to attend must have strong grades, and sometimes extracurriculars are considered as well. Students must also complete the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for Catholic schools on December 6th on location at DePaul College Prep in order to receive priority for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Test Prep Chicago can help students succeed on the HSPT. We offer workshops and private tutoring to help students strengthen their skills and build testing confidence for this exam. Starting in November, we will offer one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring on the HSPT anytime, which will give them access to thorough prep material targeting each section of the HSPT, practice tests, and step-by-step strategies aligned to the HSPT format (click here). We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT!

Test Prep Chicago Students Improve HSEE Scores by 37.89%!

This past year alone, the students who participated in our courses and individual tutoring programs in preparation for the CPS HSAT for Selective Enrollment High Schools, the HSPT for Catholic High Schools, and the ISEE for Independent High Schools, completed a diagnostic and final exam at the start and end of their time tutoring. Across the board, our students demonstrated remarkable growth in both math and reading, the two sections that are on the CPS HSAT, after working through TPC's course material.

In Math, our students saw 60.82% improvement from their diagnostic exam to their final exam.

On average, students scored 15/45 (33.33%) on the diagnostic exam's Math section. On the final exam's Math section, taken after students had been through all of our material, the average score improved to 24.12/45 (53.6%). This means that on average, students' scores improved by 9.12 points from the diagnostic to the final exam! This improvement comes directly from the deeper conceptual understanding, strategic problem-solving, and the confidence that comes from learning and working through TPC's challenging math material. 

In Reading, our students saw 24.61% improvement from their diagnostic exam to their final exam.

On average, students scored 25.88/40 (64.7%) on the diagnostic exam's Reading section. On the final exam's Reading section, taken after students had been through all of our material, the average score improved to 32.25/40 (80.62%). This means that on average, students' scores improved by 6.37 points from the diagnostic to the final exam! This improvement comes directly from the stronger comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills that come from working through and learning TPC's difficult reading material.

Overall, our students saw a 37.89% total score increase from their diagnostic exam to their final exam.

On average, students scored 40.88/85 (48.09%) on the diagnostic exam. On the final exam, taken after students had reviewed all of our material, the average score improved to 56.37/85 (66.31%), reflecting a total score improvement of 15.49 points, or 37/89%, showing how Test Prep Chicago’s methods deliver measurable success.

Overall, TPC's practice exams are intentionally more difficult than the actual CPS HSAT and other entrance exams. By preparing students under tougher conditions, we ensure they enter the real test with confidence. Time and again, our students report that the official exams feel easier after our rigorous preparation.

If you are looking to help improve your students' standardized test scores for High School Entrance Exams, the Academic Center Entrance Exam/Regional Gifted Center Test, or a College Entrance Exam like the ACT, SAT, or even PSAT, Test Prep Chicago can help. TPC still has one day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students preparing for the HSPT for Catholic High Schools and the ISEE for Independent High Schools. We also have courses, one-day workshops, and individual tutoring offerings available for other exams, with more information available on our website.