Application season
CPS kindergarten application 2027–28
Every Chicago child is guaranteed a seat at their neighborhood school. GoCPS is how families apply anywhere else - magnet, gifted, classical, IB, dual language, and open-enrollment programs. Here are the dates, the official links, and the answers parents ask for most.
Key dates at a glance
- Now through early September 2026
Research and tour schools
Create your GoCPS account, tour schools, and attend open houses before the window opens. Use Homeroom to save schools to your tour list and take notes as you go.
- Wed, Sept 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The GoCPS elementary application opens
One application covers every elementary program. You rank up to 20 choices - you do not apply school by school.
- Fri, Nov 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The application closes
Submit before 5:00 PM. Late applications are not accepted, so don't leave it for the last day - portals get busy near deadlines.
- Spring 2027
Results and waitlists post
Results arrive in your GoCPS account - one offer plus waitlist positions. Accept or decline by the stated deadline; waitlists move nightly through spring and summer.
- Spring through the first day of school
Register at your school
Accepting an offer is not the same as enrolling. Contact the school office to complete registration and turn in health and residency documents.
Official CPS calendars and links
Dates and requirements come from CPS - always confirm on cps.edu before you rely on them.
Office of Access & Enrollment: 773-553-2060 · gocps@cps.edu
Questions parents ask every application season
When is the CPS kindergarten application deadline for 2027-28?
Friday, November 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The window opens Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least a few days early.
Do I have to apply? Isn't my neighborhood school guaranteed?
Your neighborhood school is always guaranteed, no application needed. You only use GoCPS if you want a seat somewhere other than that school - a magnet, gifted, classical, IB, dual language, or open-enrollment program.
How many schools can I apply to?
You rank up to 20 elementary choices on a single application. Ranking is in true order of preference - putting a school lower does not hurt your odds at the ones you ranked higher.
Is the lottery random?
Yes, but only after CPS sorts applicants into priority groups - sibling, staff, proximity, Pre-K, English Learner, and sometimes tier. Each group gets its own mini-lottery before remaining seats open to the general pool.
Choice Selection Process: K-8 (CPS) Priority Group Preferences: K-8 (CPS)
Does my child need to take a test?
Only for Selective Enrollment programs, like Regional Gifted Centers and classical schools. Most Choice programs fill seats by lottery with no testing. If a program you rank requires a test, watch for your assigned test date after you apply.
When do results come out, and what if we don't get an offer?
Results post to your GoCPS account in the spring - you'll see one offer plus waitlist numbers for the rest. Accepting an offer doesn't remove you from higher-ranked waitlists, and waitlists update nightly through the summer.
Results for Elementary School (CPS) Rolling Waitlist: K-8 (CPS)
More terms - tiers, proximity, sibling priority, waitlists - in the GoCPS FAQ.
Homeroom is a parent-built project and is not affiliated with Chicago Public Schools. Dates come from CPS - confirm them on cps.edu before you rely on them.