1. Academic Center Entrance Exam (50% of the total- 300 points)
2. Previous year’s final grades for core subjects (50% of the total- 300 points)

Lane Tech will host an open house for sixth grade students and families who are interested in the Academic Center (LTAC) on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. 

Open House will include a presentation with information about our program and a student guided tour.

This is the only open house offered each school year. Accepted students will be invited to see Lane at the Meet & Greet in April or May before making their selection. 

Go to https://www.go.cps.edu starting September 2024.

Newly accepted students for the school year 25-26 are invited to attend a Meet and Greet in the beginning of Quarter 4 of the 24-25 School Year. 

April 16, 2025 - 5:30-7:15 PM

 Please enter through Door M off of the parking lot and security will guide you to the student cafeteria for a presentation.

Students and families will hear a presentation from the Academic Center Director. Students and families will be able to meet LTAC teachers and get questions answered by current and former LTAC students.

What is LTAC’s acceptance rate?

In years past, we’ve had upwards of 1,700 students apply to LTAC with 100-120 spots available. Our acceptance rate is anywhere from 5.7 to 7% depending on the year and spots available. 

What is an Academic Center? What is the application process? How do I enroll for the test?

Please see the attached Academic Center, Guide to Academic Centers, and Selective Enrollment Testing sheets from Go CPS. Please also visit the Elementary School Resources from Go CPS for more information. 

*Please note we only accept incoming 7th grade students, and students may not apply to enter in for their 8th grade year. 

25-26.Academic Centers.pdf

23-24.Guide to Academic Centers.pdf

24-25.SEES Testing Info.pdf

What are the Cutoff Scores for LTAC?

Please see the attached Point Totals sheet from Go CPS. 24-25-SEES Point Totals.pdf

Rank Min. Point Total

Tier 4 560

Tier 3 547.5

Tier 2 522.5

Tier 1 487.5

What is the Tier Process?

Please see the attached Tier Process sheet from Go CPS. 

24-25.Tier Process.pdf

What percentage of LTAC students stay at Lane for the full 6 year program?

A majority of our LTAC students stay at Lane for high school, completing the rest of their 6 year program. Upwards of 80% choose to remain at Lane for their high school career.

What electives are offered to LTAC students or at Lane?

Lane has a variety of electives to choose from. Please take a look at our Course Catalog to see all of the options available. For any details regarding specific course information please contact the instructor(s) for that course. 

What is the average class size in LTAC?

The average class size ranges from 25-32 students. In each grade level our goal is to have around 120 students. Right now we have 92 - 7th graders and 124 - 8th graders, with a total of 216 in our entire LTAC program.

What is the admissions process for students with Individualized Education Plans or 504s?

All paperwork would transfer over, and our Diverse Learner Team and Case Managers would review said documents. Teachers would review all documents as well, and ensure any accommodations or modifications are being followed.

What is the daily schedule like for LTAC students?

Students have six instructional classes, one lunch period with their grade level (usually 3rd or 4th period), and an Academy class (with the exception of a small group of 8th grade students who are not assigned an Academy). Students do not have recess, like traditional elementary schools, although they do have Physical Education (PE) class daily. Students have classes mainly located on the 4th floor, however some classes (especially electives) can be located throughout the building. Students are guided through the building, practicing their schedule during Orientation. 

What are some special advantages that LTAC students have?

Students who are in the LTAC program: 

• have the ability to try out for Debate as an 8th grader, while incoming high school students can only try out in 9th grade

• have priority in scheduling with electives

• have opportunities to enroll in more electives, as graduation requirements are usually completed earlier

• are able to participate in CPS Score sports program and play against other CPS 7th and 8th grade teams

• have access to Lane Tech supports, facilities, and clubs like the Writing Center, Library, Math Tutoring, Science Olympiad, CJML Math Team, etc.

• are guaranteed a seat at Lane for High School (as long as they do not officially accept a seat elsewhere on Go CPS)

• have a counselor assigned to them - who follows them until they graduate

• celebrate the end of their 8th grade with a graduation ceremony, along with an 8th grade trip to Boston or DC, luncheon, etc.

Teachers and Staff

A majority of the LTAC teachers and staff have been with the LTAC program for a number of years. Many of which have been teaching and involved in the program since its inception. They all have certifications in middle school and high school, as well as specialized certifications in their content areas. They expertly design their curriculum and align it very closely with our high school teachers, to ensure their continued success. Some teachers teach both LTAC and some high school classes.

Workload & Expectations

Students should expect to receive around 2-3 hours of homework a night. While they are in a majority of middle school classes, some classes, especially in 8th grade are taken for high school credit. Work is challenging for students, but there are supports in place to ensure success. We consider our Academy class as a strong part of that support. The class is designed to support students with executive functioning skills, social emotional skills, and academic support, all with Teacher Assistants (Juniors and Seniors) that are former LTAC students.