For thousands of Chicago families, gaining admission to a selective enrollment high school is more than just a goal — it’s a gateway to opportunity. Schools like Walter Payton, Northside College Prep, Whitney Young, and Jones College Prep offer rigorous academics, strong college pipelines, and a competitive edge. However, earning a seat at one of these schools requires more than just strong grades. The Selective Enrollment Exam (SEE) is a high-stakes, high-pressure test — and the right preparation can make all the difference.
At The Krupnick Approach, we help students build both the strategy and stamina required to excel on the CPS selective enrollment test. With one-on-one tutoring, data-driven practice, and targeted skill development, our program equips middle school students across Chicago with the tools they need to compete and thrive.
Why CPS Selective Enrollment Test Prep Is Essential in Chicago
Admission to CPS selective enrollment high schools is based on a 600-point system, combining 7th-grade report cards, NWEA MAP scores (for some applicants), and the CPS High School Admissions Test. In such a competitive landscape, even high-performing students need an edge in testing strategy, timing, and confidence.
The Challenge:
- No official test prep materials are released by CPS
- Students often face unfamiliar question formats
- The pressure of limited seats adds to anxiety
- Strong students may underperform without test-specific strategy
That’s why focused, structured, and personalized test prep isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Who We Help: Middle Schoolers Preparing for CPS Selective Enrollment
We work with motivated students in 6th, 7th, and early 8th grades, especially those aiming for:
- Top CPS schools like Payton, Northside, Young, Jones, Lane Tech, Lindblom, Westinghouse, and Brooks
- Competitive programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM, magnet, and academic centers
- Families across Chicago and the suburbs — from Lincoln Park and Hyde Park to Oak Park, Bridgeport, Naperville, and Lakeview
- Students seeking academic confidence and stress management ahead of test day
Whether your child is gifted, hardworking, or both, we build a prep plan that matches their learning style and goals.
What Sets The Krupnick Approach Apart in CPS Test Prep
Harvard-Trained Leadership with Chicago Admissions Expertise
Our founder — a Harvard graduate with years of experience coaching students through competitive admissions — leads a hand-picked team of tutors trained in test strategy, pedagogy, and student motivation. We bring clarity to complex questions and confidence to the testing process.
Strategy-Driven, Personalized Prep for CPS Admissions Tests
We don’t offer cookie-cutter courses or mass-market materials. Instead, we provide:
- Diagnostic testing and skills assessments
- Strategy-based tutoring for reading comprehension, vocabulary, math, logic, and problem solving
- Timed practice exams that simulate real conditions
- Coaching for pacing, stress reduction, and mental stamina
- Regular feedback, data tracking, and parent communication
Because we tailor every session to the student, we accelerate progress and maximize retention.
Our Proven 5-Step Test Prep Process
Step 1: Free 30-Minute Consultation
We begin with a low-pressure conversation to learn about your student’s goals, academic background, and timeline for the admissions test.
Step 2: Initial Diagnostic & Custom Prep Plan
Your child takes a diagnostic exam to assess strengths and growth areas. We use these insights to build a strategic, personalized prep plan.
Step 3: Targeted One-on-One Tutoring
Tutors teach core content, test-specific logic, and question breakdowns in a structured and supportive format — with an emphasis on how to think under pressure.
Step 4: Timed Practice Tests & Review
We simulate real test conditions to build familiarity and speed. Students learn how to manage their time and apply strategies effectively.
Step 5: Progress Tracking & Final Test-Day Prep
We adjust the plan as students grow, reviewing weak spots, reinforcing strategies, and building confidence. Parents receive regular updates and insight.
FAQs: CPS Selective Enrollment Test Prep
When should we start preparing for the CPS selective enrollment test?
Ideally, students should begin in the spring or summer before 8th grade. However, we offer accelerated and last-minute prep for families starting in the fall or winter.
Do you use real CPS test materials?
CPS does not release official test materials, but our tutors use proprietary simulations developed from years of experience with past test formats and current standards.
My child is strong in school — do they still need tutoring?
Yes. Even straight-A students can underperform without familiarity with the test format, timing, or question types. Strategic test prep helps unlock their full potential.
Do you help with Academic Center or IB program applications?
We do. Our prep can be adapted for Academic Center admissions tests (e.g., Whitney Young 7th Grade Entry) and for programs with similar structure, such as IB admissions.
Prepare with Purpose. Perform with Confidence.
At The Krupnick Approach, we don’t just teach content — we teach mindset, mastery, and momentum. Our CPS selective enrollment test prep helps students build lasting skills, reduce stress, and walk into test day ready to succeed.
Get started today with a complimentary consultation from our experts.