Application and testing process

[Benji]

I am moving to Chicago in about two weeks and am hoping to get my son into the Gifted programs at one of the listed schools. I wanted to know from those that have been through the process: What are the necessary steps I should take to get my son tested? What is the process like? I am pretty sure that this coming school year may be out of the question but want to start preparing for the next school year as soon as possible.

[Maude]

From what I understand, application can be done either on paper or online, and there is a booklet available that lays out the whole application process. Once you settle in, I'd get ahold of the booklet and then work at it systematically starting after the holiday season.

[JenK]

Benji - The CPS website should have details on how to apply to schools mid-year as well as for next year. Starting October 1, applications are available for the 2013-14 school year. You can apply online for gifted/classical programs as well as magnet & neighborhood schools. Once you apply to a gifted/classical school, your child will automatically be scheduled for testing. You will need to request a user ID in order to apply online; that is also available on the cps website.

It would be a very wise idea to research neighborhood schools prior to moving here. Regardless of how bright your child(ren) is/are, the whole process is so random. I know kids who got into gifted and don't understand why, and kids who are clearly well above average -- and tested really well -- yet didn't get into any programs (and I'm not talking about my own kids :-) .