A Parent's Guide to Applying to Parochial Schools in Chicago

If your student is considering a Catholic high school in Chicago, understanding the admissions process is essential. In addition to considering a student's extracurriculars, grades, and other accomplishments, most Catholic high schools require the HSPT, a national entrance exam used by many Catholic schools to determine admissions, scholarships, and financial aid eligibility. For families navigating this process, here's what to keep in mind.

Introduction to Parochial High Schools in Chicago & Their Application Processes

Catholic high schools in Chicago are known for their strong academic programs, faith-based education, and commitment to student development. Each school has its own unique character, traditions, and strengths, whether it's a focus on college prep, service learning, the arts, or athletics. What unites them is a shared mission rooted in Catholic values: fostering leadership, community engagement, and moral development in a diverse and inclusive environment. Some of the most popular Catholic schools in Chicago include DePaul College Prep, St. Ignatius, and Loyola Academy. 

The application process typically begins in the fall of 8th grade, with most schools participating in the Archdiocese of Chicago's standardized admissions process. Students take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at their first-choice school in December, which helps determine placement and eligibility for scholarships. Applications may also include school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes interviews or essays, depending on the school. Families are encouraged to attend open houses and shadow days to find the right fit.

What Is the HSPT?

The HSPT is a standardized, paper-based exam administered once a year. For applicants looking to attend high school in the 2026-2027 school year, it will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The test includes five timed sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Math, and Language. It takes approximately two and a half hours to complete, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. Calculators are not allowed, and there is no penalty for guessing.

Students are allowed to take the HSPT only once per year, so choosing the right school to test at is important. Some schools may add an additional writing section. Testing accommodations are available for students with documented learning differences, including extended time for those with IEPs or 504 Plans. Documentation must typically be submitted at least one week before the test. It is important to ensure that all of your students' accommodations are met prior to testing on the 6th, and that any necessary fees or applications have been submitted. For specific questions regarding testing for the HSPT, it is best to contact your student's school of choice directly.

Why Testing Location Matters

Many Catholic high schools in Chicago require students to take the HSPT on-site in order to be considered for scholarships, or sometimes even admission. For example, schools like Loyola Academy, Fenwick, and St. Ignatius require students to test on-location for both admissions and scholarship eligibility. Others, such as DePaul College Prep and Nazareth Academy, give preference for admissions and scholarship to students who test at their school. Some schools, like Trinity High School, accept outside HSPT scores for admission, but still require on-site testing for scholarships.

A few schools, like Cathedral Catholic and De La Salle, will accept HSPT scores regardless of where the exam is taken. Others, like Leo High School, may require an in-person interview if the test is taken elsewhere. Policies vary widely, so it’s best to confirm testing and admissions requirements directly with each school.

It’s also important to note that HSPT scores can only be submitted to one school. While some schools offer the exam for free when taken on-site, others may charge a fee.

How Catholic High School Admissions Work

Unlike the public school system in Chicago, Catholic high schools in Chicago do not use a centralized or standardized application. Each school has its own process, but most include HSPT scores along with academic records from 7th and 8th grade, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement. Competitive programs and scholarship decisions often prioritize students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher.

Getting Ready for Test Day

Preparing for the HSPT is key, especially since there are no retakes. At Test Prep Chicago, 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!

All About George Westinghouse College Prep: What You Need to Know About This Selective Enrollment High School

Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Side, Westinghouse has carved out a distinctive identity, merging strong academics with real-world career readiness, developed within a community-driven environment that reflects the city’s diversity. Originally established in the 1930s as a vocational school, Westinghouse has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. In 2009, a state-of-the-art facility opened, symbolizing a new chapter for the school as a modern college preparatory institution with a selective enrollment program. Today, Westinghouse stands as a hybrid model: one part selective enrollment college prep, and one part career and technical education (CTE) pathways. This dual-track approach makes it extremely unique among Chicago's elite public high schools, offering a broader range of options for students with different post-graduation goals.

What sets Westinghouse apart is its commitment to rigor and hands-on training. While the selective enrollment track challenges high-achieving students with honors and Advanced Placement courses beginning in their freshman year, the school also invests heavily in its career programs. Students in the CTE track can pursue pathways in fields like medical sciences, business, information technology, and broadcasting, where they can gain hands-on experience, industry credentials, and even early college credit. It’s a structure designed to meet students where they are, whether they’re aiming for Ivy League schools or direct entry into a professional career. This makes Westinghouse an ideal school for a student who is dedicated to their academics and extracurriculars, but succeeds primarily in experiential learning environments, where they can directly and actively prepare for their futures.

Academically, Westinghouse delivers a strong foundation across the board. Its students have access to accelerated math tracks, advanced science labs, and AP courses in nearly every subject. Yet what really makes the experience feel different is how the school merges this academic push with a strong focus on student identity, culture, and expression. Programs in the arts, music, and writing (bolstered by partnerships with local organizations like 826CHI and Young Chicago Authors) help ensure that learning goes beyond textbooks and standardized tests.

Student life at Westinghouse reflects the school’s holistic approach. In addition to its academic and career programs, there are dozens of clubs, athletic teams, and creative outlets that help students find community and purpose. The school’s basketball program, idebate team, robotics club, and visual arts programs are especially well-known. And with modern facilities, including a natatorium, media production rooms, and well-equipped science labs, students have the resources to explore and innovate in whatever direction they choose.

If your child is hoping to attend George Westinghouse College Prep, or another Selective Enrollment High School, Test Prep Chicago can help you ace the CPS HSAT necessary for admission. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or personalized one-on-one tutoring (click here), our programs help to prepare students for the CPS HSAT through full-length practice exams, targeted homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies. We continually update our materials based on student feedback and evolving exam trends.

Learn Chicago’s Best-Kept HS Admissions Secrets at the 2025 Hidden Gems High School Fair

Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. | Lycée Français de Chicago

Choosing the right high school in Chicago can be overwhelming. With so many public, private, and boarding options, each with different admissions processes, testing requirements, and academic offerings, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why the “Hidden Gems” High School Fair, hosted by Chicago School GPS, is such a valuable event for families.

This annual fair is designed to help families of eighth graders discover a wide range of high school options, many of which fly under the radar but offer exceptional programs and opportunities. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, more than 35 schools and educational resources will gather at Lycée Français de Chicago, providing families with direct access to admissions teams, program overviews, and expert advice on navigating the high school admissions journey.

The fair begins at 1:00 p.m. with an open showcase where schools present what makes them stand out. From arts-focused institutions like ChiArts to college-prep programs, such as Beacon Academy and Golder College Prep, you’ll discover a wide variety of schools in Chicago. Public magnet schools, boarding schools, and alternative learning models will also be represented.

At 2:00 p.m., breakout sessions begin, covering a wide range of important topics:

• Navigating Public and Private School Admissions
  Understand CPS Tiers, timelines, scoring rubrics, interviews, recommendations, and how to approach open houses and tours.

• High School Entrance Exam Strategies with Test Prep Chicago
  Learn how to prepare for the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT), the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT), and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Test Prep Chicago will share expert tips to help your student walk into these exams with confidence.

• Scholarship Resources and Financial Aid Opportunities
  From the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to independent merit scholarships, discover what’s available and when to apply.

• Understanding International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
  Decode what the IB Diploma means and how it can benefit your student in high school and beyond.

• Peer-to-Peer Student Panels
  Hear directly from current high school students who recently went through the process and are ready to share real-world insights.

School tours of the hosting campus will also be available throughout the afternoon.

Whether your student is looking for a rigorous academic environment, a strong arts program, or smaller class sizes and personalized support, this fair will help you find the right fit.

Registration includes access to all breakout sessions, student panels, and school representatives. To register, fill out the form on the Chicago School GPS website, linked here.

As part of the breakout programming, Test Prep Chicago will lead a focused session on what to expect from Chicago’s high school entrance exams. Whether your child is applying to CPS selective enrollment programs, Catholic high schools, or independent private schools, this session will provide clarity on the exams, their content, their scoring, and test prep. Test Prep Chicago has 13+ years of experience helping students succeed on the CPS HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE. If your child is applying to competitive programs, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Learn more about how Test Prep Chicago can support your eighth grader through courses (here), one-day workshops (here), or individual tutoring (here).

Jones College Prep: A Chicago Selective Enrollment High School Standout

Jones College Prep, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is one of the city's most sought-after selective enrollment high schools. With its blend of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a central location that provides unique learning opportunities, Jones has become a destination for students aiming for both scholarly achievement and personal growth.

Jones College Prep is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and high-performing student body. The school offers a comprehensive slate of Advanced Placement courses, including over 20 AP options across subjects such as calculus, biology, U.S. history, and computer science. Students at Jones consistently earn top-tier standardized test scores, with an average SAT score around 1320. The school's graduation rate remains high, and students regularly exceed state benchmarks in both math and reading proficiency. This level of performance is a reflection not only of the school’s strong academic culture but also of the dedicated faculty who support and challenge students to reach their full potential.

What makes Jones especially unique is its downtown location, which creates access to museums, cultural institutions, and internship opportunities. This campus is part of what sets Jones apart from other selective enrollment schools, as it integrates the resources of the city into its educational model, offering students real-world exposure and experiential learning opportunities few schools can match. This means that Jones can be a great option for students looking to work or attend college in the city of Chicago after graduation, or students who learn best in hands-on environments.

Beyond academics, Jones College Prep is known for its dynamic extracurricular programs. Whether students are interested in the arts, STEM, athletics, or service, there’s something for everyone. The school has a strong robotics team, a competitive Model UN program, and well-regarded visual and performing arts departments. Music ensembles, theater productions, and academic teams all contribute to a lively student culture. Athletically, Jones fields competitive teams across a variety of sports, including soccer, cross country, and volleyball. Clubs and student organizations also play a huge role in campus life, with students regularly leading initiatives in civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and social justice.

Admission to Jones College Prep remains highly competitive. Like all of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, applicants must take the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT), which is coming up soon in October. For students aiming to earn a seat at Jones, strong test preparation can make all the difference.

That’s where Test Prep Chicago comes in. Through our group courses (click here), one-day workshops (click here), and one-on-one tutoring sessions (click here), we help students master the content and strategies necessary to excel on the CPS HSAT. 

Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting Chicago’s top selective enrollment high schools!

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School: A Leader Among Chicago’s Selective Enrollment High Schools

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School stands as one of Chicago’s most esteemed and consistently top-ranked selective enrollment high schools. Named after civil rights leader Whitney Young, it opened in the 1970s and was Chicago’s first public magnet high school. Since then, it has remained one of the city’s most competitive schools for admissions.

Academically, Whitney Young offers a rigorous, college-preparatory oriented curriculum that includes a broad selection of Advanced Placement courses (approximately 31 to 33 options). Students achieve both a high SAT average (around 1350) and a solid average ACT score (about 31). These metrics reflect strong college readiness among its student body. Student performance in-class is equally impressive. The school achieves a graduation rate near 99%, and its students score in the top percentile on state proficiency exams. In math, about 91% of students reach proficiency, and in reading, about 89%.

Whitney Young also offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The school boasts a large number of student clubs, strong performing arts programs, and a competitive athletics department that regularly achieves success in district and regional competitions, specifically in boys' basketball. Most notably, Whitney Young has a nationally recognized debate team and STEM-related/academic programs, meaning it is the perfect place for a student gravitating toward a career in politics or law. They also have a decorated speech program and theatre program, making it a magnet for artistic students!

Admissions to Whitney Young remain highly competitive. Students must perform strongly on the CPS selective enrollment test, and acceptance is considered difficult to attain. If you have a student hoping to attend Whitney Young, Test Prep Chicago can help. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or personalized one-on-one tutoring (click here), our programs help to prepare students for the CPS HSAT through full-length practice exams, targeted homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies. We continually update our materials based on student feedback and evolving exam trends.

Stay tuned — over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting more of Chicago’s top selective enrollment schools to help families make informed choices about CPS high school options.

Spotlighting Lane Tech College Prep: What Makes this Selective Enrollment High School Stand Out

Lane Tech College Prep is one of Chicago’s most prominent and competitive selective enrollment high schools. Founded in 1908, it was renamed to its current title to highlight its college-preparatory emphasis. It remains one of the oldest and largest high schools in Illinois, serving over 4,500 students.

Academically, Lane Tech offers a rigorous curriculum, built to prepare students for success in college. The school's curriculum features over 100 electives and course options. Lane Tech also offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program featuring over 32 options, where every student is expected to take at least one AP course. This diversity of subjects, from STEM to languages to the arts, is ideal for students seeking depth, specificity, and variety in their academic programming.

Lane Tech students consistently perform at high academic levels. The graduation rate is approximately 96%, and students average an SAT score of 1290 and an ACT score of 29, indicating that students begin their senior year at Lane Tech prepared for college applications, and finish it ready for the college experience.

In addition to academics, Lane Tech is well-known for its vibrant extracurricular offerings, including a wide array of clubs, fine arts, STEM programs, and sports teams that contribute to a dynamic student experience. Notably, Lane Tech has a long-standing reputation as one of the most athletically competitive high schools in CPS, consistently performing well in city competitions and qualifying for state-level events. For students looking for a wide array of extracurriculars, athletic opportunities, and academic rigor, Lane Tech is a strong option. 

For students aiming to attend Lane Tech, Test Prep Chicago offers targeted CPS HSAT preparation to help build confidence and performance on test day. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or personalized one-on-one tutoring (click here), our programs help to prepare students for the CPS HSAT through full-length practice exams, targeted homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies. We continually update our materials based on student feedback and evolving exam trends.

Stay tuned — over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting more of Chicago’s top selective enrollment schools to help families make informed choices about CPS high school options.

Test Prep Chicago Partnership with Pinpoint Learning on August 30: A New Version of TPC's Test Prep Palooza One-Day Workshop for the CPS HSAT with Advanced Post-Exam Report

Test Prep Chicago is excited to announce a new CPS HSAT Palooza Workshop, created in partnership with the learning scientists at Pinpoint Learning. The 1-day workshop will take place this Saturday, August 30, at 10am at Horner Park.

Students will experience the authentic testing environment, exam material, and expert post-exam review that Test Prep Chicago is known for, plus gain exclusive access to Pinpoint, a PhD-designed testing tool that gives each student personalized insights into how they can improve.

Why We're Excited About Pinpoint

Pinpoint helps students understand the why behind every mistake. While traditional tests might stop at showing what answer they got wrong and which answer would be correct, Pinpoint goes further, prompting students to reflect on each error and uncover its root cause, so they can get the most out of every practice test.

Each student attending the workshop on Saturday will receive a Pinpoint Report analyzing their performance in four key areas:

- Reasons for Errors
- Problem Types
- Time Management
- Mindset Barriers

This gives every student a clear, research-backed path to improvement, so their prep time is focused and effective.

Students who have used Pinpoint report feeling less anxious, more motivated, and more confident, thanks to having a personalized plan they can follow with clarity and purpose.

Together, Test Prep Chicago and Pinpoint Learning will give students the tools they need to reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience helping students succeed on the CPS HSAT, and a science-backed system for personal growth, this workshop is designed to deliver real results.

If your student is preparing to take the CPS HSAT, we would love to see them at the workshop! Sign up for the workshop (Click Here) before it fills up!

Spotlighting Northside College Prep: What Makes this Chicago Selective Enrollment High School Special

Northside College Prep is consistently ranked as one of the top selective enrollment high schools in Chicago. Known for its rigorous academic program, cutting-edge facilities, and strong college admissions record, Northside is a top choice for high-performing, academically-oriented students.

Regularly listed among the best public high schools in the country, Northside offers a well-rounded, academically-focused experience. Every academic course at Northside is taught at either an Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) level, giving students the opportunity to choose from approximately 24 AP classes across disciplines including math, science, English, and Social studies. Northside also employs the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP), a nationally recognized alternative to traditional high school math curriculum, and offers advanced math courses such as Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Discrete Mathematics. Additionally, students participate in a weekly Colloquium, a unique enrichment program that allows them to explore diverse topics outside the traditional curriculum. These aspects of Northside make it one of the most academically rigorous high schools in Chicago, perfect for a highly driven, academically focused student who learns well in challenging environments. While Northside offers a variety of extracurriculars, including successful sports teams and student-led clubs, its defining feature is its strong academic culture and high expectations. 

As a result, Northside is also ideal for students looking to get a competitive edge during the college application process. Students at Northside regularly achieve high standardized test scores and college acceptance rates, with over 99% of graduates going on to attend college, many at highly selective institutions.

With that being said, Northside also has a unique commitment to student wellness and holistic learning. Despite it being a challenging environment, Northside employs a block schedule and advisory system that are designed to reduce stress, which can be a rarity among high-pressure academic institutions. This makes Northside particularly attractive to students who want academic rigor without sacrificing mental well-being.

Admission to Northside is extremely competitive, based on a combination of seventh-grade core subject grades and performance on the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT). For students looking to attend Northside, Test Prep Chicago offers expert test prep.

Whether you're interested in a small-group course, a 1-day intensive workshop, or personalized one-on-one tutoring, our offerings include full-length practice exams, strategic homework, and targeted instruction. Our tutors emphasize proven test strategies, time management skills, and pacing to help students feel confident and capable on test day. With ongoing feedback from real students, we continually update our materials to reflect the latest exam trends.

Want to learn more about how we can support your student on the path to Northside? Explore our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or individual tutoring sessions (click here).

Stay tuned -- we’ll be spotlighting more top selective enrollment schools in the coming weeks to help families make informed choices about their CPS high school options.

High School Entrance Exam Dates Announced for 2026–2027 Cycle — Prep Options Now Open

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has officially announced test dates for the 2026–2027 high school admissions cycle. Below, find a list of key dates, along with test prep options from Test Prep Chicago!

Key Test Dates:

CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT)

• Oct. 8: CPS Students

• Oct. 15: Alternative Language Testing

• Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26: Non-CPS Students

The GoCPS application portal will open Sept. 23 at 10 AM and close Nov. 14 at 5 PM. You can learn more at go.cps.edu.

Parochial School Entrance Exam (HSPT)

• Dec. 6 (First Saturday in December)

Registration and details are handled by the individual schools.

Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)

• Fall: August–November

• Winter: December–March

• Spring: April–July

Students may take the ISEE once per season. Learn more on ERB’s website here.

Prep with Test Prep Chicago:

TPC offers a range of prep options to help students get ready for all of these High School Entrance Exams:

• 16-Hour Courses: Focused on math, reading, and test strategies for the HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE. Includes diagnostic/final exams and supplemental material. Click here to sign up.

• One-Day Palooza Workshops: A four-hour workshop simulating real test environments with pizza lunch and step-by-step review included. Click here to sign up.

• Individual Tutoring: Personalized sessions using the full prep curriculum for students seeking one-on-one support. Click here to sign up.

The Importance of Test Preparation and How It Translates Beyond the Classroom

Standardized tests are a consistent part of life, from school assessments to professional certifications. Unlike intelligence or aptitude tests, these exams measure acquired skills, which can be improved through deliberate practice. As a result, test preparation is a powerful tool that not only raises test scores but also builds broader academic and personal skills. Effective test prep delivers targeted strategies, repeated exposure to test formats, and enhanced familiarity with content, which significantly boost a student’s confidence and performance.

One of the key benefits of test preparation is the development of executive function skills, such as time management, organization, and planning. These skills are not only crucial for academic performance but also highly transferable to other aspects of life, including college coursework and professional responsibilities. Test prep teaches students to build study plans, prioritize their weaknesses, and manage the stress and logistics of test day, all of which contribute to long-term success beyond the exam itself.

Test preparation also acts as a diagnostic tool, helping students identify their specific academic weaknesses and tailor their study efforts accordingly. By working through practice tests and receiving feedback, students can better understand their learning styles and adapt more effective study habits. This process of self-assessment not only improves performance on the specific standardized test but fosters deeper academic awareness and adaptability.

Perhaps most importantly, test preparation instills a growth mindset. As students face challenges, make mistakes, and improve through hard work, they develop resilience, discipline, and a sense of agency. The journey from feeling like a “bad tester” to seeing tangible results reinforces the belief that effort leads to achievement. This emotional growth, combined with academic skill-building, ensures that the impact of test prep extends well beyond test day and becomes a foundational part of a student’s personal development.