These programs are housed within district schools and take many forms. They can be honors programs for academically advanced students, can have a focus like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or Fine Arts, or offer coursework that prepares students for a career, like Culinary Arts, Digital Media, or Health Sciences. Many of these programs offer Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, and/or CTE Articulation Credits (all provide students will college credits while still in high school). Some students are able to earn enough credits during high school to graduate with an Associate's degree and their high school diploma at the same time! Schools typically have a minimum eligibility requirement in order to be able to apply, but this can vary based on the school and particular program you’re interested in.
To learn more about the Career and Tech Education programs available city-wide, click here and here (scroll to the bottom of this document to see a matrix of all schools and the CTE programs they offer).
Schools to Consider (not an exhaustive list):
Alcott College Prep – Pre-Engineering Website | School Profile
Disney II High School – Fine Arts and Technology Website | School Profile
Jones High School – Pre-Engineering and Pre-Law Website | School Profile
Kenwood Academy – Magnet Program and Honors Website | School Profile
Lake View High School – STEM Website | School Profile
Von Steuban High School – Scholars Website | School Profile
Westinghouse Career Academy Website | School Profile
How to Apply:
Submit an application at Go.CPS.edu. As each school and program sets their own requirements, it is important to keep track of the schools and programs you have applied to in order to be sure that you have met their requirements (going to an information session, sending in a portfolio, attending an interview, etc.). To know for sure the eligibility requirements for the program you're interested in, view the school's CPS Profile Page and click on "Admissions."
View last year's cut off scores here.