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 :-) .