• ADVICE TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS
     
    Below if a list of advice for both parents and students. These pointers have been gathered from parents and students that experienced the process of selecting the best fit for their High School.  
    • Do not rule out any school before you and your child go and look at it. Form your own opinions after you have gathered the important information. Many people have very strong opinions about certain schools – but you should form your own opinion after you and your child do some research.
    • Go to as many open houses and special events at each high school as possible.  They can be time consuming, but it's important to check out the school to see if you like it or not.  
    • Don't put all your eggs in one basket - have choices from the different categories of high schools listed. You should think about having "back up" schools in case you do not gain admittance into your first choice.  
    • This process is a lot of work for you and your child. It is a big time commitment. At the end of the day, no one can really decide what’s best for your child and your family but you.
    • Talk to people - ask questions from those parents you may know who have children in high school. They are a great resource for information gathering for all types of schools. The more you talk to people, the more you learn.
    • START A "HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK" - Once you start visiting the schools, keep lists of what you like/don't like.
    • Think "outside the box" and look at all types of schools. The city of Chicago has some of the best high schools in the country and there are lots of options. You will be your child’s best advocate. AACA staff is here to help you through this process, but you and your child will drive the process and the final decision.
    • Think carefully about the best fit for your child. Are they independent? Are they competitive? Are they service oriented? Can they succeed with a lot of freedom? Or do they need a bit of a more structured environment? Where would your child thrive? What are your child's strengths and weaknesses?
    • CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools are highly competitive - only students with very high grades and test scores are admitted to these schools.  Think hard about whether you want to put your child through this if you know that they will most likely not get in.  
    • Location - Are you willing to drive long distances to take your child to school? Are you willing to let him/her take public transportation?
    • Do the high schools of interest align with your child's interests - academics, sports, art, clubs, service projects?
    • What kind of financial aide or scholarships do the high schools offer?  Many of the schools offer a lot of financial aide and are willing to work with families.  Don't be shy - talk to the admissions staff about it. 
    • Academic rigor - Is your child an independent learner? Can you imagine your child willingly doing 3-4 hours of homework each night? If not, are you willing to push your child or endure the complaining?
    • Don’t be afraid to call the high schools directly and clarify any questions you may have. The high school admissions department is there for you and can answer all your questions.  They are usually very open to meet with parents if you have specific questions relating to your child.
    • Keep a healthy mental attitude.  Don't stress out!  We are here to help you through this.