IB programs are housed within district schools, meaning that an offer of admission to the school does not guarantee admission to the program. Be sure you are applying to the IB program at a school if that is what you're interested in pursuing. IB offers highly rigorous coursework focused in critical thinking that results in an IB Diploma. Students take a structured curriculum in literature, science, math, social sciences, foreign language, and the arts. They must also participate in community service projects and complete an extended essay. Although the programs can be very challenging, colleges look favorably on students who have completed an IB Diploma, as they feel these programs adequately prepare students for university-level coursework and thinking.
Schools to Consider:
Amundsen High School Website | School Profile
Lincoln Park High School Website | School Profile
Noble – Pritzker High School Website | School Profile
Ogden High School Website | School Profile
Prosser Career Academy Website | School Profile
How to Apply:
Students must fill out an application at Go.CPS.edu. There are no longer eligibility requirements for IB programs; any student can apply. Students who live in the attendance boundary will earn an additional 50 points toward their point total. IB schools do have a minimum score requirement, and not every student who applies will be admitted.
The selection process is based on a 900-point system. Each student’s total score is determined by the combination of two components:
Seventh grade final grades in Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies (maximum of 450 points)
A = 112.5 points
B = 75 points
C = 38 points
D/F = 0 points
Students with grades lower than two A's and two B's in 7th grade have a low chance of being offered a spot, especially if the student lives in a Tier 4 neighborhood.
CPS High School Admissions exam - students take this exam in the fall of their 8th grade year (maximum of 450 points) The exam was updated during the 23-24 school year.
One Reading section (30 minutes):
23 questions
"Most questions focus on inferring and generalizing information in passages. Includes both informational and literary texts."
One Math section (30 minutes)
36-39 questions
"Questions emphasize the ability to solve quantitative problems. "
The test will last approximately one hour.
The test will be available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Polish, and Urdu.
Selection Process:
All applicants are lined up in descending order based on total points. Seats are awarded to the highest scorers until all seats are filled. After the "cut off" has been reached, students will be placed on a waitlist in continuing descending order.
View last year's minimum point totals (previously known as cut off scores) here.