Principal Eligibility Process
Principal Eligibility Process
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PRINCIPAL ELIGIBILITY APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 CYCLE WILL OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
Interested in School Leadership?
Interested in School Leadership?
To become a Chicago Public Schools Principal, applicants must be in the Principal Candidate Pool (Pool). To view and apply for current principal opportunities, please visit our Principal Opportunities page.
You do not need to be a member of the Pool to apply for the following roles:
Assistant Principal: to explore Assistant Principal openings, please visit the CPS Job Board.
Charter School Principal or AP: view open positions on the Illinois Network of Charter Schools' Job Openings page.
Become a Member of the Principal Candidate Pool
Successful completion of the CPS Principal Eligibility (Eligibility) Process is required to become a member of the Principal Candidate Pool (Pool) and, thus, qualify to take on a principal position in the district. This applies to all candidates, internal and external alike, and ensures that schools have the most qualified principal candidates prepared to succeed from the first day on the job.
The Eligibility process requires applicants to provide evidence demonstrating experience and/or ability in the principal domains and components outlined in the CPS School Leadership Framework (Framework). Applicants will also be screened to ensure they possess the required credentials and meet the standards of conduct and professionalism expected of a CPS principal.
SEPTEMBER 2026 CYCLE KEY DATES
SEPTEMBER 2026 CYCLE KEY DATES
Step 1: Online Application Opens: September 14, 2026
Step 1: Online Application Closes: September 28, 2026, at 8:00 AM
For all candidates: Fingerprinting and Experience Verifications are due EOD, October 7, 2026
For external candidates: Employment Verification, Performance Evaluation Submission, and Discipline/Misconduct History submissions are due EOD, October 7, 2026
Step 2 In-person Dates*: October 19, 2026 - October 30, 2026
*Tentative based on the number of applicants
Informational Session dates will be announced soon
To attend an informational session, please sign up here
JANUARY 2027 CYCLE KEY DATES
JANUARY 2027 CYCLE KEY DATES
Step 1: Online Application Opens: January 4, 2027
Step 1: Online Application Closes: January 19, 2027, at 8:00 AM
For all candidates: Fingerprinting and Experience Verifications are due EOD, January 27, 2027
For external candidates: Employment Verification, Performance Evaluation Submission, and Discipline/Misconduct History submissions are due EOD, January 27, 2027
Step 2 In-person Dates*: February 8, 2027 - February 19, 2027
*Tentative based on the number of applicants
Informational Session dates will be announced soon
To attend an informational session, please sign up here
MARCH 2027 CYCLE KEY DATES
MARCH 2027 CYCLE KEY DATES
Step 1: Online Application Opens: March 22, 2027
Step 1: Online Application Closes: April 5, 2027, at 8:00 AM
For all candidates: Fingerprinting and Experience Verifications are due EOD, April 14, 2027
For external candidates: Employment Verification, Performance Evaluation Submission, and Discipline/Misconduct History submissions are due EOD, April 14, 2027
Step 2 In-person Dates*: April 26, 2027 - May 7, 2027
*Tentative based on the number of applicants
Informational Session dates will be announced soon
To attend an informational session, please sign up here
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Principal Eligibility Process.
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