About this Event
Knowing how to cast your net wide and increase your options is KEY to a successful Chicago high school search. Join Chicago School GPS as we bring together over 35 participating public, private and boarding high schools & resources, each with unique qualities that you may not have known about prior to coming to our Hidden Gems Fair. PLUS, you can meet helpful resource vendors and partake in informative breakout sessions that will give you clarity on the high school process. Join us for an afternoon designed to make your high school journey a successful one!
Program begins at 1pm with high schools showcasing what makes them unique, and breakout sessions begin at 2pm. Fair ends at 4pm.
Our invaluable breakout sessions offer insights for Middle School Parents and Students on topics such as:
- Navigating the private & public high school admissions process
- High School Entrance Exam Insights (includes NEW CPS HSAT, HSPT & ISEE)
- Private school scholarship opportunities & resources
- International Baccalaureate Programs Demystified
- Peer to Peer Middle School to High School Drop-in Session (w/snacks!)
Tours of the hosting school will be available.
Agenda
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Insights & Introduction of Schools & Resources
Info: In person presentation of what makes each school unique and resource vendors can share what they specialize in prior to visiting the school and resource booths. Attendees can target what schools fit their needs and focus on those during the Fair.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
School & Vendor Booths Open
Info: Join Chicago School GPS as we bring together over 35 participating public, private and boarding high schools & resources, each with unique qualities that you may not have known about prior to coming to our Hidden Gems Fair. See list of schools and resources at : https://chischoolgps.com/hiddengems/hs-fair-participants/
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
International Baccalaureate Programs Decoded
Info: What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and what does it mean to be an International Baccalaureate DP or IB course student? The session will cover the benefits that the program can bring in high school and beyond.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Scholarship Opportunities and Academic Resources
Info: It’s never too early to start looking for financial support for your students!! Come to hear about opportunities that could lead to scholarships. We will share ideas about looking for scholarships (merit and need), financial support, and more.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Peer to Peer Session
Info: Middle school students can gain so much valuable insight by talking directly with current high schoolers who were in their shoes just a year or two ago. Get the "real scoop" on life at high school and what the factors were in determining their high school choices.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
High School Entrance Testing
Info: Public & private high school entrance testing tips and tricks to help you know what to expect for the high school entrance exams, including the NEW CPS HS Admissions Test, the parochial HSPT and the independent ISEE exams.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Navigating High School Admissions
Info: Learn about CPS High School options (including but beyond Selective Enrollment!) including IB, magnet and specialty programs within schools.
Learn the requirements for admission to public and private schools: CPS Tiers, Scoring Rubrics, independent & parochial school timelines, interviews and recommendations.
Get a jump on the high school search madness by learning some tips and strategies, including how to tackle school tours and open houses.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Chicago Academy for the Arts, 1010 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, United States
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