High Schools of Choice Grades 7–12

There's an added excitement to reaching high-school age in Cincinnati Public Schools — students, with their parents/guardians, get to pick their high schools.

The All-Schools Guide is designed to help students and parents/guardians make the important decisions necessary to choose and apply for Cincinnati Public Schools' high schools. (High Schools begin on page 32)

• 2024-25 All-Schools Guide - English
• 2024-25 All-Schools Guide - Spanish

Apply to a CPS High School

Today’s students are our region’s future employees, entrepreneurs and community leaders. CPS ensures that students graduate with the knowledge needed to confidently pursue chosen career paths. Students select from high-school programs with special focuses that lead to careers and higher education.

CPS' high schools serve grades 7-12. This gives students an early start on mastering tougher academic standards and graduation requirements.

Why did CPS Adopt a 7–12 High School Model?

The 7-12 high school model allows students to gain stronger progression and earlier proficiency in higher order skills in demanding subjects such as math and science. This positions students for earlier attainment of high school credits and success in the new standards and assessments.

What do all CPS High Schools Have in Common?

• All prepare students for college. A diploma from CPS is recognized by all colleges and universities. In addition, all CPS high schools have now earned accreditation from the nationally recognized AdvancEd organization, which requires rigorous examination of each high school’s learning environment. (Exceptions: Virtual High School and Cincinnati Digital Academy; online schools require separate accreditation. Spencer Center, a new school, will start the accreditation process when eligible.)
• All offer sports and extracurricular activities (except Virtual High School and Cincinnati Digital Academy).
• All are open to students with disabilities. If your child requires specialized placement, call CPS' Department of Student Services: (513) 363-0280
• All are open to any child living anywhere inside the Cincinnati Public School District.  Cincinnati Public Schools does not have address boundaries for its high schools, so a student is not assigned to a high school based on a home address. However, some high schools have entrance requirements.
• Students in preschool through 12th grade who live outside the boundaries of the Cincinnati Public School District may apply for admission to CPS schools during the annual Open Enrollment Lottery.

There are many choices within Cincinnati Public Schools' high schools, which offer dozens of career-interest and college-preparatory programs.