News
How Selective Enrollment Schools Use the CPS HSAT: Why It Matters & What It Tests
For students applying to Chicago's selective enrollment high schools, the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is a major factor that is worth 50% of the total admission score. CPS uses a 900-point system to evaluate applicants: 450 points from 7th grade grades in core classes (reading, math, science, and social studies), and 450 from the CPS HSAT. That means doing well on the test can significantly impact whether a student receives an offer from a top selective enrollment high school.
The CPS HSAT is taken in the fall of a student's 8th grade year and includes two main sections: math and reading comprehension. It is a timed, multiple-choice test, 1-hour in length, that is administered digitally at the student's school (if they are a CPS student) or at a CPS-designated test center (if they are a non-CPS student). The math section includes algebra, data analysis, number operations, geometry, and problem-solving, while the reading section focuses on comprehension, vocabulary in context, and inference-based questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should be prepared to strategically guess if necessary.
Because students come from so many different schools and grading systems, the CPS HSAT serves as a standardized way for selective enrollment high schools to compare applicants across the city. It's not just about content knowledge, but also about how well students manage time and pressure. That's why preparation matters.
At Test Prep Chicago, we prepare students for every topic covered on the CPS HSAT. Our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring sessions (click here) include full-length practice tests, targeted homework, and supplemental materials designed to strengthen skills and build confidence over time. Our tutors teach proven test-taking strategies, time-management techniques, and pacing skills to help students stay sharp and focused on test day. By conducting exit interviews with students after they take the real exam, we are able to ensure our practice materials are constantly updated to reflect the latest test trends and content.
If you're looking for supporting and strategic preparation for the CPS HSAT, TPC Is the place to start.
Questions? Contact zoe@testprepchicago.com.
CPS School Budget Review
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently released school-level budgets, giving principals and Local School Councils only two weeks to review and approve them—a shorter timeline than usual. These budgets are based on the district’s most optimistic deficit projection of $229 million, which assumes the city will provide $300 million in new funding through either state support or tax-increment financing (TIF). However, CPS also presented two worse-case scenarios, with deficits reaching $529 million and $734 million, potentially requiring the layoff of up to 3,000 school staff. Notably, the projections do not include expected additional costs such as principal contracts or pension payments.
This has led to growing concern among school leaders. The Chicago Principals and Administrators Association criticized the budgets as misleading, warning that schools may have to cut staff over the summer when actual finances become clearer. Despite CPS's recent shift away from student-based budgeting toward a need-focused model using the Opportunity Index, even high-need schools are facing significant cuts. For instance, a north side high school that climbed in the index rankings is still losing substantial flexible funds and several staff positions.
Meanwhile, CEO Pedro Martinez is set to depart on June 18, leaving his successor to manage these financial challenges. Community engagement efforts are underway to help guide the search for the next CPS leader. CPS and the Alma Advisory Group have launched a series of public meetings to gather feedback on what qualities the new leader should have. Many attendees have voiced a preference for someone with strong ties to CPS and formal superintendent credentials.
These sessions mark an important moment for public involvement in CPS governance, especially as Chicago still lacks a fully elected school board. While some question the effectiveness of these meetings, turnout by local officials and community members suggests growing interest in shaping the district’s future. A separate event by Kids First Chicago offered a more direct line of communication with board members, allowing the public to raise concerns and engage personally with district leadership.
Chicago Board of Education to Hire New CEO
The Chicago Board of Education has begun its search for a replacement CEO following the removal of Pedro Martinez who is set to depart in June. Martinez was terminated in December of 2024 after disputes with Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson’s newly appointed board. Because his termination comes without cause, his contract entitled him to maintain his position for an additional 6 months.
Applications opened on April 25 as the board actively seeks to find a new CEO. Board President Sean Harden stated, “We are seeking a leader who will think boldly, embrace innovation, and build an equitable, student-centered future.”
The first of ten public engagement meetings began on Thursday, May 15th, encouraging community engagement. Once the meetings have concluded, the board is set to create a “leadership profile” to determine the qualifications and qualities desired in the next CEO. This will be used to evaluate candidates as the board works with a search firm to fill the position.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
New Illinois Education Association Survey
According to a new poll released by the Illinois Education Association (IEA), public school funding is a concern for many Illinois residents. The poll, which was conducted on over 1,000 people cites 83% of individuals believe that funding education is an important issue within their community and 16% of individuals believe it is the single most important issue. Of those surveyed, 71% believe Illinois should increase its funding for public schools. Chicago and surrounding suburban residents account for 40% of those surveyed.
This survey illuminates the public perception of the Illinois public school system at large. Overall, Illinois residents have a negative opinion of the state’s public education. IEA’s President, Kathi Griffin claims that 62% of residents think “the state is on the wrong track” concerning public school education. When asked to compare the quality of public schools nationally versus those in Illinois, residents were more likely to give Illinois schools a failing status.
Though many concerns were raised regarding the Illinois public education system, residents have a much higher opinion of teachers as individuals. Around 58% of residents had positive statements about teachers, believing they are underpaid for the necessary work they do. This sentiment is echoed as many individuals believe teachers should be the ones developing standards for students in the public school system. The Illinois Education Association hopes this new information will propel lawmakers to implement changes regarding the funding of Illinois public schools.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
CPS to Absorb Five Acero Charter Schools
In October of 2024, the Chicago based Acero charter network announced the closure of seven of its schools by June of 2025. These schools include Cisneros, Casas, Fuentes, Paz, Cruz, Santiago, and Tamayo. The network claims these closures are necessary due to rising maintenance costs, low attendance, and a $40 million dollar deficit. The shutdowns would affect 2,000 students and more than 250 teachers, making the decision extremely controversial amongst the community.
While Acero asserts that students who previously attended these schools would be allowed to assimilate to one of the several remaining Acero campuses, parents remain unsatisfied with this solution. They fear their students will not receive the same quality of education because of larger class sizes and transition adjustments. To fight this outcome, parents and teachers have come together to seek a solution through Chicago Public Schools. At the forefront of this crusade, Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union, demanded that CPS absorb the schools in jeopardy.
Following months of public outcry and intense negotiations, the Chicago Board of Education voted to keep five of the aforementioned seven charter schools open. In a 16-3 vote, the decision to absorb these schools won by an overwhelming majority. However, those who voted against the notion fear that there is not enough money in the budget as CPS is currently operating under a $500 million dollar deficit. Nevertheless, Cisneros, Casas, Fuentes, Santiago, and Tamayo will remain open for the 2025-26 school year while Paz and Cruz will close as originally planned.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
ACT Enhancements
The ACT has made major structural changes to the exam that will be implemented in the coming months. The ACT will now have 44 fewer questions and students will receive more time to answer each question. The length of the test in total will be reduced to 125 minutes rather than 195 minutes as in previous years. Students will also have the option to opt out of the science section unlike previous years.
Math and English portions of the exam will be adjusted slightly. For math questions, the ACT will be eliminating a response option from each question. Options that are rarely chosen or of poor quality will be removed from the exam, leaving four potential answers rather than five. Additionally, when questions contain a graphic, answer options that can be easily eliminated by looking at the image will be removed from the test. This is designed to match the format of other assessments and improve the test-taking experience for students.
During the English section, students will be provided with clear instructions for each question. Previously, portions of text would be underlined or numbered to denote which phrases pertain to each grammar and language question. However, no instructions were given for each individual question, so students needed to reference the instructions at the beginning of the section. This will no longer be the case, as the ACT will provide instructions for each question such as “which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?” followed by the answer choices. Additionally, the “No Change” options will be bolded so they are easier to see. These changes are being introduced to promote clarity for all students.
ACT enhancements will begin going into effect starting in April of 2025 for students taking the exam online. By September of 2025, all students taking the exam on paper or online will receive these benefits as well. The adjustments will be reflected in all schools and districts by spring of 2026.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
Illinois Child and Education Expense Tax Credit Information
The state of Illinois has introduced new laws expanding tax credits for residents. Low to middle-income individuals will benefit from the new initiatives from the department of revenue known as The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), The Illinois Child Tax Credit (CTC), and The Education Expense Credit (EEC).
The Illinois Child Tax Credit will benefit families who qualify for the EITC and have at least one child under the age of twelve years old so long as this child is a dependent. This credit accounts for 20% of the total EITC. This will be increased to 40% in the 2025 tax year.
The Education Expense Credit will allow parents or guardians of students under the age of 21 to claim education expenses between $250 - $750 on their taxes. For traditionally schooled children, these expenses include textbooks, tuition, and lab fees paid to the school. For homeschooled students, textbook and lab fees are qualifying expenses. Families will receive a 25% credit for these payments if their student is enrolled in a full-time K-12 program.
David Harris, Illinois Department of Revenue Director, urges Illinois residents to “double check their eligibility status and take advantage of these benefits when filing their returns this year.”
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
CPS Application Result Dates Announced
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has released information regarding application result dates and wait-listing for students applying to choice and selective enrollment schools. Applicants can receive up to one offer for choice and selective enrollment programs. Students applying for high schools (9th grade) will receive their results on March 14th while elementary students from grades K-8 will receive their results on April 11th.
Once results have been released, a rolling waitlist for non-admitted students will be set up. Students offered placement at schools will be given a deadline to decide at which point students on the waitlist will be offered spots accordingly.
Additional deadlines for students who have not yet tested should be noted. Selective enrollment students should request a rescheduled date by February 2nd. The final SEES testing date for 1st-8th graders is February 16th and Kindergarten students will have until February 21st.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
Chicago Magazine Ranks Best Public High Schools
Chicago Magazine has released its latest rankings of public high schools in the Chicago metropolitan area for the 2024-25 school year, calculated based on four metrics: SAT scores, graduation rates, attendance, and the state's 5Essentials survey, which tracks five indicators such as “effective leadership” and “ambitious instruction.” The list included both city and suburban schools and provides one of the most detailed rankings so far, covering 110 schools across six counties.
In the Chicago city rankings, Northside College Preparatory High School topped the list with high SAT reading and math scores, followed by Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, another selective enrollment school, and Lane Technical High School. Among non-selective or non-charter schools, Back of the Yards College Preparatory ranked highest at No. 10. The top suburban school in Cook County was New Trier Township High School, followed by Glenbrook North High School and John Hersey High School.
Listed below are the top five schools within the city of Chicago:
Northside College Preparatory High School, North Park
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Near West Side
Albert G. Lane Technical High School, Roscoe Village
William Jones College Preparatory High School, Printers Row
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, Near North Side
For more information about scoring and to see the full ranking, click here.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
Changes announced for the ACT
This week, ACT announced some significant changes to their test.
One of the major changes is that the science section will now be optional, giving students the choice to include on their test, similar to the optional writing test. Additionally, the new ACT will be significantly shorter. The core test, consisting of English, reading, and math, will be just 2 hours long and will have 44 fewer questions than the current version. The English and reading sections will feature shorter passages, making the test more streamlined, and students will have more time to answer each question.
Some aspects of the ACT will remain the same. The ACT will continue to be scored on a scale of 1–36, and students will receive a composite score (the average of the English, reading, and math scores) in addition to section scores. The test will still be available in both paper and online formats, and the optional writing section will still be offered.
The new version of the ACT will be introduced in Spring 2025 for students taking the online ACT on standard national test dates. Students taking the ACT during school-day testing will experience the new version in Spring 2026.
TPC will be updating our ACT practice materials to reflect these changes and ensure student's are well-prepared for the new test.