CPS Gifted Testing — Parent FAQs
Key dates for CPS families
- September 9, 2026: GoCPS applications open - GoCPS applications for the 2027–28 school year open at 10:00 AM.
- November 13, 2026: GoCPS applications close - GoCPS applications close at 5:00 PM.
- Fall 2026–Winter 2027: Admissions testing - Students complete required admissions testing. Families choose available appointments through GoCPS.
- March 12, 2027: Initial offers released - Initial elementary school offers are released.
Testing dates vary by applicant and program. Families should confirm their child’s appointment in the GoCPS account.
Chicago Public Schools Gifted Testing Process
Families apply through GoCPS and rank the Selective Enrollment schools or programs they are interested in. Students then complete the admissions assessment required for the selected program category. A child applying to more than one category may need more than one assessment.
For students applying to grades 5–8, previous-year grades may also be used to determine testing eligibility.
What Happens if My Child Is Selected?
Regional Gifted Centers: Accelerated instruction across core academic subjects for students who demonstrate advanced learning ability.
Classical Schools: A rigorous, accelerated curriculum with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Admission is competitive and depends on assessment results, program ranking, eligibility requirements, and available seats.
For more information, visit the CPS Selective Enrollment Programs (K–8) page.
What Do CPS Admissions Tests Measure?
CPS does not publish the commercial name or exact question types used on every elementary Selective Enrollment assessment. The tests may evaluate:
- Verbal reasoning and word relationships
- Quantitative reasoning and number patterns
- Nonverbal and visual reasoning
- Pattern recognition, logic, and problem-solving
These abilities overlap substantially with the reasoning skills assessed on the CogAT and other gifted admissions tests.
How to Prepare for CPS Gifted Testing
“Because CPS does not publish every question type in advance, preparation should focus on broad reasoning skills rather than memorizing one test format.”
- Practice verbal, quantitative, and visual reasoning questions.
- Become comfortable solving unfamiliar problems under time limits.
- Review missed questions and understand the reasoning behind each answer.
- Practice consistently over several weeks rather than cramming.
Practicing daily or every other day makes test-taking second nature to your child
More
Tests
Fewer
Mistakes
More
Confidence
Higher
Test Score
Test Preparation Journey
Familiarization
Learning about the types of questions that are asked in the test.
Learning
Knowing how to approach the question and what makes an answer correct.
Proficiency
Improving speed to make sure the test is completed in time.
Start practicing today!
SIGN UPWhy AceGiftedTest?
AceGiftedTest helps children strengthen the verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning skills commonly evaluated in gifted admissions testing. Students receive unlimited full-length practice tests, detailed explanations, video tutorials, AI assistance, and personalized practice based on their individual weak areas. The benefits extend beyond test preparation. By working through analogies, patterns, classifications, logical relationships, and unfamiliar problems, children also develop stronger analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities that support learning in mathematics, reading, science, and other subjects.
Unlimited full-length practice tests
Generate unlimited full-length reasoning practice tests on the fly using AI so your child can build stamina with fresh verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal questions.
Personalized practice assignments
Our AI analyzes your child’s weak spots after each test and automatically creates personalized practice assignments so they can improve where it matters most.
Question-specific tutorial videos
Stuck on a tricky question type? Watch tutorial videos tailored to the exact kind of problem your child is working on—so concepts click faster.
Detailed solutions & AI help, anytime
Every question comes with detailed step-by-step solutions. Lumi, our friendly AI assistant, is always available to guide your child through tough problems without simply giving away the answer.
Quick FAQs
Does CPS say it uses the CogAT? No. CPS currently describes its assessments as Selective Enrollment admissions tests and does not publicly name a commercial test.
Do all applicants take the same test? Not necessarily. The required assessment depends on the program category and grade level selected in the GoCPS application.
When will my child test? Families choose from available testing appointments through GoCPS after applying.
How are students selected? Selection considers assessment results, program rankings, eligibility requirements, available seats, and—at entry grades—CPS tier rules.
Official CPS resources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-24
Help your child prepare for CPS testing
AceGiftedTest offers practice across verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning so students build familiarity with gifted-admissions-style question formats before CPS Selective Enrollment test day.
Get started with AceGiftedTestCognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) is a registered trademark of Riverside Assessments, LLC. AceGiftedTest and its parent, Lumina Ed, are not affiliated with Riverside Insights, nor is the content on this site promoted or endorsed by Riverside or its affiliates.
AceGiftedTest and its parent company, Lumina Ed, are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Chicago Public Schools (CPS) or GoCPS. CPS does not currently identify its Selective Enrollment elementary assessments as the CogAT, OLSAT, NNAT, or another named commercial test. Admissions rules, testing procedures, dates, and program availability may change, so families should verify details through GoCPS for the 2027–28 cycle.