2027-2028 Ninth Grade Application
All students applying to our programs must take the CPS HSAT/Pre-ACT.
Scholars Program (Honors)
Students are selected in descending total point order with points coming from the HSAT and points coming from final (cumulative) 7th grade report card. These minimums will be determined once the initial selection is released in February 2027. Similar to prior cycles, the GoCPS application scoring system considers the HSAT (50% of the total) and seventh-grade report card grades for core subjects (50% of the total).
Von Steuben offers a rigorous honors curriculum for high achieving students who could benefit from an accelerated academic challenge. Scholars students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative unweighted GPA and complete 40 hours of community service. Scholars are required to take all core subjects at the Honors, Dual Credit, or Advanced Placement level.
Incoming freshmen who are selected for the Scholars Program must must take honor level classes AND maintain a 3.0 GPA in their core subjects to remain in this program. Those who score below these minimums or do not maintain their grades will be removed from the program and scheduled for classes that best match their skill level during registration.
We recommend that eligible Scholar students also apply to the Von Steuben's College Prep program to increase their chances.
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College Prep Program (Lottery)
A minimum HSAT score is required to enter this lottery. These minimums will be determined once the initial selection is released in February 2027. Students accepted into this program will be scheduled for classes that best match their skill level, with the opportunity to Honors, AP, or Dual Credit courses by demonstration.
If Von is your top choice, we recommend you rank Von Steuben's
Scholars #1 & College Prep #2
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Applications submitted after the go.cps deadline will not be considered for admission. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance via, go.cps on February 12, 2027. Students that receive an offer should expect an email invitation to our Welcome Night event, details will be communicated at that time.
If you have questions about applying, you can contact Carla Escobar [email protected].
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GoCPS Applications
Admission to our school requires a GoCPS application. Students must apply through apply.cps.edu and accept an offer before they can enroll.
Applications typically open in the fall for the following school year. Initial results and offers are released in the late winter or early spring. Families who miss the fall application window may still apply through the Rolling Waitlist process that runs throughout the spring and summer. Visit GoCPS for information about programs, application requirements, and important dates.
For questions about the GoCPS application process, contact the Office of Access & Enrollment at [email protected] or (773) 553-2060.
10th-12th Grade Transfers
Please note that students looking to transfer during 10-12th grade do not
apply through GoCPS. Please visit our Transfer Inquiry page or contact us directly regarding transfer criteria and availability.
Program Eligibility Requirements
Admission to some 9th grade programs offered via GoCPS, including programs at our school, includes additional eligibility and/or screening requirements.
This information is outlined in the Full HS Program Eligibility & Selections Document located on the GoCPS High School Resources page. Families can also review the admissions tab of our CPS School Profile Page or browse programs at apply.cps.edu to learn about program offerings and selection criteria
High School Admissions Test (HSAT)
To be considered for 9th-grade admission to programs requiring test scores, prospective students must participate in the High School Admissions Test (HSAT).
The CPS HSAT is the PreACT 9 Secure, an achievement skills test that assesses students in four subject areas: English, Math, Reading and Science. The HSAT is administered in the fall of each school year.
Current CPS students, including those attending CPS Charter and Contract schools, do not register for testing and will take the test in their current 8th grade school building.
Non-CPS students will schedule their testing slot by successfully submitting a Choice HS or SEHS application via GoCPS. Please note that the PreACT 9 Secure has designated windows for testing, and CPS is not able to offer any testing outside of the designated window. As a result, HSAT registration for non-CPS students will close before the GoCPS application itself. We strongly encourage interested non-CPS families to register for testing promptly after the application opens.
More information about the HSAT can be found on the GoCPS website, linked below.
[Click here to learn more about the HSAT]
