Lottery Application Calendar

  • Lottery Application Calendar — Applying for Enrollment for the 2024–2025 School Year

    CPS Magnet, Out-of-Neighborhood and High School lotteries have one extended application window! Now families can submit one application per child.

    CPS Magnet Sibling Application (Preschool-6 or Preschool-8)

    Sibling Application Period - December 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024  

    Process: Siblings are given priority for entering magnet schools.

    • Please note, CPS will be using its new Student information System (Focus) to process applications electronically. We encourage all to use this new system, but we understand some families may not be able to access Focus. As a result, CPS will allow paper applications to be submitted at each magnet school.


    Who may apply during the Application Period for siblings?

    Siblings of in-district students already enrolled in magnet schools may apply to the sibling's magnet schools. The entering student must meet the magnet school's eligibility requirements, if any, and live within the CPS district at the same address as the current student. 

    CPS Magnet and High School Lottery

    December 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024

    The CPS Lottery is now one round for the following lotteries: Magnet, High School and Out-of-Neighborhood. Now families can submit one application per child.

    Learn more about the CPS Lottery here.

    Out-of-Area (East & West) Application — CPS residents only (non-lottery; paper)

    • April 9 – 26, 2024 — Magnet Elementary Schools (Paper applications turned in at schools.)
      • Magnet schools with a waiting list will not accept east/west applications.

    Open Enrollment — Preschool -12th Grade

    Out-of-District Applicants — Online Only

    • May 1–31, 2024 — Online Lottery Application; parents receive letters — July 2024 (Subject to change)