Two students from Hughes Center CAMAS program work together on a science project. Cincinnati Public Schools
Cincinnati Public Schools

Application Process, 2009-10


Ninth-Grade Applications
January 26-February 6, 2009

At Cincinnati Public Schools, each eighth-grader MUST select a high school. Eighth-graders enter their own applications for high school, after discussing their choices with their parents. Parents do not need to go to high schools to apply for ninth-grade space for their children.

Eighth-graders should study and fill out the sample application forms — mailed to homes and available online by early January — and use the forms as a guide when applying on CPS-networked computers at their schools during designated weeks. (See General Information below for exceptions applying to eighth-graders.)

This system was streamlined to make applying to high schools easier for parents and eight-graders.

This process also can be used by eighth-graders who do not attend Cincinnati Public Schools now. These students are welcome to apply to enter CPS' high schools using a computer at the district's headquarters, the Education Center in Corryville. Please call CPS' Customer Help Center, 363-0123, for information.

Applications received during the Ninth-Grade Application Period will be processed in random order to assure that all participating eighth-graders have an equal chance to enter their first-choice high schools. Although applications will be accepted later, eighth-graders are strongly encouraged to apply during this application period before popular programs fill up.

In January 2008, parents of eighth-graders receive high-school application forms in the mail. Parents are encouraged to study the application forms with their children and help them make decisions about which high schools to attend. Parents are asked to sign the application forms.

Eighth-graders bring the signed application forms to their current schools during January 26-February 6 and use it as a guide when they enter their own applications for ninth grade on CPS-network computers during the school day.

Students who apply early have a better chance of getting into the schools they want.


Each eighth-grader selects one high school as a top choice, then lists four other high schools in order of preference (in case the top choice is filled).

EXCEPTIONS: An eighth-grader does not have to pick a new school if the eighth-grader attends a 7-12 school

or if the eighth-grader attends

Sibling preference applies to a student’s first choice only. A sibling:
1) must currently attend the eighth-grader’s first-choice school in grade 9, 10 or 11.
2) must live at the same address.

The applications will be processed in random order by CPS’ Information & Technology Management Department. Acceptance letters will be mailed to parents, indicating where their children have been accepted for high school.

After the Ninth-Grade Application Period is over, eighth-graders still may enter an application on a CPS-networked computer at any time, but they will have less chance of getting their first choice. Eighth-graders are strongly encouraged to enter applications during the Ninth-Grade Application Period.

9th-, 10th- and 11th-Grade Applications
January 26 to June 30, 2009

This general application applies to: