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Understanding the Types of Schools and Programs
Understanding the Types of Schools and Programs
To best understand the application process, first you have to understand how CPS categorizes its schools and programs into different types.
Below are 2 slide presentations about Program Types. One from the district and one created by me. I encourage you to review both to best understand. The series of support videos below the slides offer a brief overview and then targets each program type, giving additional details beyond the slides.
District's Slides
Program Types: Overview.webmSupport Video: Program Type Overview
General Education
General Education
Schools that fall in this category offer a curriculum of general education that includes a wide variety of subject areas, including the core subjects of English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and may also include world language, art, music, and physical education. The general education program does not specialize in one particular area of the curriculum.
***General Education Programs are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
CPS School Locator - used to verify your zoned neighborhood school.
Support Video: General Education Program of your Neighborhood School
General Education Program: Neighborhood School.webm
Magnet Programs.webmSupport Video: Magnet Programs
***Magnet Programs are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
CTE Programs feature a unique approach to prepare high school students for college and career success. Students can participate in CTE College and Career Academies, to which students must apply, and/or they can participate in within-school CTE programs. Through these programs, students experience hands-on training in their chosen industry, and may have the opportunity to earn college credit, attain industry-recognized certifications, and gain real world experience through job shadows and internships.
***CTE Programs are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
CTE Guide - explore this site for more information about specific CTE programs.
Support Video: CTE Programs (Career & Technical Education)
CTE Programs.webmService Leadership Academies
Service Leadership Academies
The Service Leadership Academies are unique four-year high schools that prepare students for college and subsequent careers. Although students wear uniforms and operate in a structured environment, these schools are not intended to prepare students for the military. Rather, students take part in unprecedented leadership opportunities and co-curricular activities, including college trips and citywide competitions, in a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment in which they can realize their full potential. Visit www.ChicagoJROTC.com to view videos, see testimonials, and learn more about these schools.
***Service Leadership Programs are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
Support Video: Service Leadership Programs (Military)
Service Leadership Program.webmInternational Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
***IB Programs are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
Support Video: International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.webm Special Education
Special Education
Special education prepares all students with a variety of disabilities for postsecondary success by implementing equitable practices through the use of evidence-based practices and curricula, quality instruction, and equitable supports that focus on closing learning gaps in the least restrictive environment. Chicago Public Schools offer a variety of programs to accommodate all of the students needs. Cluster classrooms are designed for students requiring a significantly modified curriculum with moderate to intensive supports and in a separate classroom from general education peers for the majority of the day (over 61% of the day).
***Cluster Programs are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
Support Video: Cluster Programs
Cluster Programs.webmCharter
Charter
Charter schools are independently operated schools that are authorized by the Chicago Board of Education pursuant to the Illinois Charter Schools Law. Charter schools are governed by a Boards of Directors and operate under contractual agreements with the authorizing entity; typically, these contracts are for five-year terms. Charter schools can exercise autonomy over many student-related policies.
***Charter Schools are classified as Choice Programs in the GoCPS application.
Support Video: Charter Schools
Charter Schools (Programs).webmSelective Enrollment High Schools
Selective Enrollment High Schools
Selective Enrollment High Schools provide academically advanced high school students with a challenging and enriched college preparatory experience. Each of the Selective Enrollment High Schools offers a rigorous curriculum with mainly honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The schools strive to develop students’ critical and analytical thinking skills, and promote diverse academic inquiry by bringing together students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Testing is required in order for students to be considered for these programs.
***Selective Enrollment Programs are classified as Selective Programs in the GoCPS application.
Support Video: Selective Enrollment Programs
Selective Enrollment Programs.webmPrivate / Parochial Schools.webmSupport Video: Private / Parochial Schools
***Private and Parochial schools are NOT found in the GoCPS application.
Match and Fit.webmSupport Video: Match and Fit - Which programs are the best for you?
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