1. Columbus Elementary School High School Parent Meeting October 9, 2014

2.  Applications can be completed by paper or on online  All 8 th grade students received an eligibility letter letting you know what programs they can apply for, this letter also has a PIN number that allows you to complete online applications  Every 8 th grade student received an OAE High School Guide  There are several different programs students can apply for, each has their own application requirements  The deadline for submitting all high school applications is: December 12 th High School Application Process

3.  NWEA percentiles are now used to determine eligibility instead of ISAT stanines  Students with 504 plans now have the same eligibility requirements as general education students (in previous years, they had the same as special education students)  Students with 504 plans will still be provided with their testing accommodations  Due to NWEA percentiles being new in the eligibility process this year, students were given the opportunity to re-take one part of both of the NWEA, if a student’s parent signed the permission slip to re-take the NWEA, their FALL of 8 th grade scores will override their 7 th grade scores New for This Year…

4.  Offers College Preparatory curriculum  Includes rigorous academic content and hands-on experiences  Students learn skills that are transferrable to anything in life (public speaking, technology…)  Earn certifications, to work while in college  Opportunity to earn college credits  CPS CTE students have higher college enrollment than other districts with CTE programs Requirements/Applications  Most programs do not have a minimum percentile requirement (except selective programs, such as Jones)  Chosen through lottery  CTE Application  Can be accepted to more than one program CTE – College and Career Academies

5.  Provides academically advanced students with a challenging and enriched college preparatory experience  Offers Honors and AP courses  Students are expected to be self-driven, highly engaged and capable of developing critical thinking and analytical skills Requirements /Application  Must score in the 24 th percentile on the 7 th Grade NWEA for both reading and math  Looks at 7 th Grade grades  Entrance Exam (4 sections: reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, math word problems {calculators are not allowed})  Based on 900 point system (300 from 7 th grade grades, 300 from 7 th grade NWEA scores and 300 from exam score) Selective Enrollment High Schools

6.  Socio-economic factors are considered  Students are divided into 4 Tiers based on socio-economic factors.  The first 30% of acceptances are based solely on scores  The remaining 70% is divide equally among the 4 Tiers  There is NO sibling preference  SEHS Application is combined with the Military Academy Application Selective Enrollment cont.

7.  College preparatory program that is focused on the leadership skills that help students go on to college or the career of their choice  Not looking for the highest scoring students, but focuses on the growth that the students will make during their 4 years of high school  Does not force/encourage going into the military  Not for reform  Very culturally diverse schools  Average students commute is 45 minutes Requirements/Application  Military/SEHS combined application  All students are required to attend an informational session at a Military Academy where they will answer a questionnaire that will assess motivation and perseverance and answer essay questions (information sessions may be attended before application is completed)  New this year: Students can apply if they have a combined 7 th Grade NWEA percentile of 48 Military Academies

8.  Students are given points based on a 500 point scale:  100 points for 7 th grade grades  100 points for 7 th grade NWEA scores  100 points for the essay (completed at the informational session)  200 points for the 2 part assessment (completed at the informational session) Military Academies Cont.

9.  Aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect  CPS IB students stay in college longer and perform better than any other CPS students  The most rigorous academic program in the world Requirements/Application  Students will be required to attend one informational session (can schedule online)  7 th Grade NWEA percentile of 24 in reading and math  Students with an IEP and bilingual students must have a combined NWEA percentile of 48  Minimum of 2.5 GPA  Students residing in the school’s attendance area will receive an additional 50 points  Each school sets their own cut off scores for admission International Baccalaureate (I.B.)

10.  Focuses it’s curriculum on one particular subject area  8 Schools  Curie Fine and Performing Arts  Chicago High School for the Agricultural Sciences  Michelle Clark STEM Program (IT)  Harlan Pre-engineering  Senn Fine and Performing Arts  Von Steuben Scholars and Science (requires a percentile of 60 in reading and math)  Disney II Magnet (Fine Arts and Technology)  RTC Medical Preparatory High School (old Crane)  If applying to a fine and performing arts program, be prepared for an audition and/or to show a portfolio  If applying to a medical or science program, be prepared to write an essay and provide recommendations Magnet Schools

11. Requirements/Application  Magnet High Schools and Programs Application  Must have a percentile of 24 in reading and math (some require in science also)  Tiered socio-economic process also used  There are waitlists managed by individual schools Magnet Schools cont.

12.  If you are interested in applying to other schools/programs, you will need to call the school directly or visit the school’s website for individual applications.  For example: Lake View, Alcott, Lincoln Park (has both I.B. and separate application)  Each school also has it’s own eligibility and acceptance requirements Open Enrollment

13.  Schools that are independently operated by community organizations, foundations and universities. They are approved by the Board of Education but operate independently from the Board and each other  Are held accountable by the board for high student achievement  Curriculum, schedules and calendars differ from each other  Contact schools individually for applications  Admission is determined through random lottery Charter Schools

14.  Most require students to take an entrance exam in January  All are tuition-based  Contact schools directly for financial assistance and individual scholarships  Daniel Murphy Scholarship – Offers scholarship assistance and educational support  Applications can be found on the website: www.dmsf.org  Due October 24 th Private Schools

15.  December 12 th – All high school applications are due  All students will be notified of their test dates by January 31 st ; if you have not received your date by then and have not scheduled it yourself online, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment immediately  Notification letters for each program you applied to will be mailed to your house by March 20 th  You will have only about 2 weeks to respond to the school/program of your choice, please pay close attention to the date on each acceptance letter Important Dates

16.  When deciding on what school/program is right for you consider:  Academic programs offered  Location/Transportation  Athletics  Clubs  Supports within the school  How do you feel when you’re in the school  Size  Visit as many schools as you can, as often as possible  Open Houses  Athletic Events  Plays/Art shows…  Explore their websites  When you are visiting a school, as questions Important Information

17.  Apply online if possible, you will receive a confirmation when your application is received.  If you include your email on your paper application, you will receive an email confirmation  If you use paper applications, please remember to have a parent’s signature on each application  Be aware that schools may ask for recommendations  Talk to Ms. Pietruszka  If you need help exploring high schools  Need help filling out applications  If you need help applying online  For General High School questions Important Information

18.  How do you feel comfortable going to and from school every day?  Parent drives  Car pool  CTA  Metra Transportation

19.  Contact Ms. Pietruszka with any questions: mepietruszka@cps.edu  8 th grade parents, remember to sign up for an individual session with Ms. Pietruszka  Check the Counselor’s Corner on the Columbus website  Don’t forget to go to Open Houses, Athletic Events, Plays, any opportunity to visit High Schools Good Luck and Have a Great Year!!! Thank you for coming!!!