Applying with GoCPS: A Guide for Incoming Families

Future ChiArts scholar-artists and families, 

Congrats on starting the 2019-2020 school year! Here at ChiArts, we’re getting excited to meet you at our upcoming admissions events, such as Backstage Pass, Family Visit Nights, Shadow Days, and more.

If you’re a parent of an incoming CPS freshman, from October 1 to December 15, 2019, you will have the opportunity to apply to ChiArts using Chicago Public School’s new application platform at GoCPS. That’s just around the corner, so now is the time to start getting ready to make these important decisions! Here is a guide provided by Chicago Public Schools to help begin your application process. 

Activating Your Account

In order to apply using GoCPS, you will need to activate your account. This will allow you to:

  • Create a username and password
  • Create your primary parent/guardian profile
  • Create profiles for each high school applicant in your family
  • Link student data records for current CPS students to the profile
  • View the programs to which your student(s) are eligible to apply
  • Verify that student records are accurate
  • “Favorite” top programs you are considering for applications in October

To begin the account activation process, click here

CPS Students During 2020-21 School Year

In order to activate your account, you will need to use the Activation Code from a letter sent home with your student at the end of the school year. If you have misplaced or did not receive this code, please contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from a telephone number listed on your student’s CPS student information file to have it reissued. The OAE call center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Activation Codes will also be included with the Eligibility Letters that will be distributed to students at school in September 2019.

Application Advice

No matter who is activating the account, be sure to enter the name and address of the parent/guardian with whom the student resides. The address for this parent/guardian will be the address that is used for determining tiers, proximity boundaries, and attendance and overlay boundaries.

Web Browsers

GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.

Need Help with GoCPS?

If you have any questions about the activation process, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or gocps@cps.edu.