Chicago Public Schools-Magnet High School

Getting your kids into a magnet school in Chicago is by lottery. You must have your application in by the due date which is usually early December before the year that your child starts kindergarten. There is a special lottery for siblings and special consideration is taken for those who live within 1 1/2 miles from the school.

High School is a different story. Of course, just as with elementary school, your children can go to the neighborhood school, a private school or try to get in to a magnet high school. In order to get into one of the magnet schools, testing is necessary and grades must be good.

Your child should concentrate on getting good final grades in 7th grade. Applicants to magnet high schools are accepted on the basis of how many points they have accumulated and 1000 points is the highest. . Each 'A' is worth 75 points, 'B' = 50 etc. In addition to that, 100 points are added for perfect attendance and 2 points are deducted for each day of absence. Seventh grade standardized tests are tallied in and there is a high school admission test which is taken in 8th grade too.

You are allowed to choose 4 magnet high schools to be considered for. Your first choice should be the school you most want to attend. It is usually in March that you will be notified of acceptance. Good Luck, your kid could get in to all or none!