Chicago Public Schools, Access and Enrollment

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership and continuous learning.

The Office of Access and Enrollment (OAE) focuses on matching students with high-quality schools and programs designed to meet all student needs, interests, and skill choices. These program choices include magnet schools, magnet cluster schools, open enrollment schools, regional gifted centers, regional gifted centers for English Learners, classical schools, academic centers, the international gifted program, selective enrollment high schools, International Baccalaureate programs, college and career academies, and Service Learning Academies.