We're thrilled that you want to learn more about enrolling your child in the Chicago International Charter School (CICS). This page is designed to give you as much information as possible, but if you have questions, we encourage you to call our offices at (312) 651-5000.

Enrollment in Chicago International Charter School is open to all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or disability status. All Chicago International campuses have the same application and admission policies, and because Chicago International is one school with many campuses, we use only one high school application and one elementary school application.

We assign students to our campuses via a fair, random lottery, which ensures all students have an equal opportunity to enroll at the campuses of their parents' or guardians' choosing. Please follow these steps to enter your child into our lottery system.

First step: Complete the appropriate application (elementary or high school). The application asks for your child's age, the most recent grade in which your child enrolled, and proof of city residency. It also asks you to list the campuses you'd like your child to attend, in order of preference. If you'd like, you may apply for all campuses that have programs for your child's grade.

Second step: Make sure the application arrives at Chicago International's main office (at 228 S. Wabash, Suite 500 or fax to (312) 651-5001) by the Friday prior to the lottery date. Students who apply after the lottery date will be assigned a place at the requested campus, if space is available, or on the appropriate waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis.

CICS conducts an annual computerized lottery—in February for high school students and in April for elementary school students. The lottery randomly and fairly assigns students to open places at the campuses. Once all available spaces are filled at a particular campus, the lottery assigns students to the waiting list. The high school lottery happens at a CICS high school campus, and the elementary school lottery happens at a CICS elementary school campus. Both are open to the public. To ensure that all students are treated equally and fairly, a third-party auditor certifies the lottery, and the lists are printed, dated, and time-stamped.

Third step: If the lottery assigns your child a seat at one of our campuses, you will receive a letter from Chicago International with enrollment procedures.


 

The 2009 - 2010 School Year Application will not be Available until the beginning of November. Please check back in the coming weeks.  Questions? Please visit the FAQ section on enrollment.
Or to download an application, visit Enrollment Application.
If you have additional questions regarding the admissions process, please call:
Chicago International Charter School at (312) 651-5000.