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Picking a school in Chicago can feel like learning a new language — charter, magnet, neighborhood, lotteries, boundaries and GoCPS are just a few of the terms you might hear.
This quick guide breaks down what each school type is, how admissions work and why each option might be a great fit for different kids and families. We pulled definitions and policies directly from Chicago Public Schools (CPS), GoCPS and reputable local education coverage to keep things accurate and current.
Neighborhood public schools (your “home” school)
What they are: Neighborhood schools are the default option tied to your home address. Every address in the city has an assigned elementary and high school; students who live in the attendance boundary are guaranteed a seat. Think of these schools as your community hub; walkable for many families with classmates who live nearby. According to CPS, boundaries determine guaranteed enrollment, and you can look up yours via the school locator and boundary datasets.
How admissions work: If you live in-boundary, you enroll directly with the school; no lottery required. Many neighborhood schools also accept out-of-boundary students if they have open seats, but they’re spot not guaranteed. CPS policy explains how boundaries are set and reviewed over time.
Strengths for families:
- Community and convenience: Shorter commutes, friends nearby and easier after-school logistics.
- Stability: Your child can usually remain through the school’s final grade without reapplying.
- Local programs on the rise: CPS is investing in community-based supports (e.g., Sustainable Community Schools) that bring health, arts and after-school partners into buildings — helpful if you want one “home base” for services.
Best fit if: You value a neighborhood community, predictable transportation and want siblings on the same schedule with fewer cross-town trips.
Magnet schools (special theme, citywide access)
What they are: Magnet schools are district-run CPS schools with a specific focus such as fine arts, STEM, world languages, Montessori and more. They generally draw from across the city and, in most cases, do not have an attendance boundary. Admission is by lottery, not by test (different from “selective enrollment” schools). CPS and GoCPS describe magnets as citywide “choice” programs with lotteries, often including sibling preference policies.
How admissions work: You apply through GoCPS during the fall window and rank programs. Seats are awarded by computerized lottery; many magnets give priority to siblings and proximity, and some offer transportation subject to CPS capacity. Check each school’s page for details, since priorities and busing can vary by campus and year.
Strengths for families:
- Focused learning: Daily exposure to a theme (e.g., dance, coding or Spanish) can keep kids excited and engaged.
- Diverse peers: Because magnets draw citywide, students often learn alongside children from many neighborhoods.
- No test to enter: Great for curious learners who thrive with hands-on, interest-driven curricula.
Best fit if: Your child lights up for a particular subject and your family can handle a possible commute (and lottery uncertainty) in exchange for a specialized program. According to CPS and local coverage, magnets remain a popular way to match school themes with student interests without entrance exams.
Charter schools (public, tuition-free, independently managed)
What they are: Charters are public and tuition-free, but they’re independently operated under contracts approved and overseen by CPS. They have flexibility in curriculum, staffing and schedules in exchange for accountability on results. Chicago has roughly 120 charter campuses citywide; many offer college-prep, arts-integrated or career-focused models. CPS and independent charter FAQs outline that charters admit students by lottery when applications exceed available seats.
How admissions work: Most charters participate in GoCPS (check the listing to be sure). Families apply and rank schools; if demand exceeds seats, a lottery is held. Some networks maintain waitlists and mid-year entry if seats open. The CPS Office of Access and Enrollment (OAE) oversees and standardizes many pieces of the process.
Strengths for families:
- Distinct models: Longer school days or years, advisory programs or specific methods of teaching can be a good match for certain learners.
- Citywide access: You aren’t limited by an address boundary.
- Clear mission: Many charters focus on college-going culture or character education, which some families find motivating.
Best fit if: You’re seeking a mission-driven environment and can commit to the schedule and commute. As local coverage notes, charters provide additional public options beyond neighborhood and magnet schools, with accountability measured through their contracts with CPS.
A few facts to help in your search
How the GoCPS application works (elementary/high school)
For choice options (magnets, citywide programs and most charters), you’ll use GoCPS to explore, rank and apply — typically in the fall for the following school year. After results are posted, you can accept an offer and remain on waitlists for higher-ranked choices. CPS provides step-by-step guides and training decks each cycle; non-CPS students testing for selective programs get assigned test dates and locations through the platform. Always confirm the current year’s dates, as timelines can shift.
Transportation, cost and practical trade-offs
All CPS options listed here are tuition-free public schools. Transportation is where experiences differ. Neighborhood schools are typically the most commute-friendly. Magnets may offer busing within policy limits and available capacity (CPS has prioritized certain riders during driver shortages). Charters vary; many do not provide busing, so families arrange their own transportation. Always check the specific school’s page for current transportation and bell schedules before you apply.
Which option is best?
There’s no single winner — there’s the best fit for your child and family routines.
- Choose a neighborhood school if you want community roots, stability and easier logistics.
- Choose a magnet if a theme (arts, STEM, language, Montessori) appeals more to your child and you’re comfortable with a lottery and potential commute.
- Choose a charter if you’re drawn to a particular mission, schedule or academic design and can commit to getting your child there.
If you’re new to this, start by:
- Using the CPS School Locator to identify your neighborhood school;
- Browsing GoCPS to shortlist magnets and charters that match your child’s interests; and
- Visiting open houses to feel the culture in person.
According to CPS, families can and should explore broadly, then rank only the schools they’d truly accept. This helps you land an offer you’ll feel good about.
Quick links to get started
- Find your neighborhood school: CPS School Locator.
- Explore and apply citywide: GoCPS (elementary and high school).
- Understand priorities/lotteries: GoCPS sibling and priority info.
Chicago’s public school landscape offers families a range of high-quality options but the best fit depends on your child’s needs, your priorities and your daily routine. Neighborhood schools anchor students in their communities and offer stability. Magnet schools provide themed, citywide programs that spark curiosity through focused learning. Charter schools give families mission-driven alternatives with unique teaching models and schedules.
According to Chicago Public Schools and GoCPS, families are encouraged to explore all options, visit open houses and ask how each school supports their child’s academic and social growth. In the end, the right school isn’t just about test scores or rankings; it’s where your child feels inspired, supported and excited to learn every day.
