Planning for High School

Our goal is to help our students maximize their learning potential both in grade school and beyond.  St. Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury graduates continue their education at some of the best high schools in Chicago.  We hope that each student sets their sights high and works hard to be accepted into their school of choice.

It isn't too early to begin researching high schools and preparing for the entrance exams.  


High School Application Process
Catholic high schools:
Eighth grade students applying to Catholic high schools must take the exam at the high school they wish to attend on Sat. Jan. 10 (NOT at St. Mary or St. Thomas!) 

Visit Catholic High School Websites by clicking here.

Selective enrollment Chicago public high schools:
Students must have a minimum of stanine 5 on the 7th grade Terra Nova test to apply.  Applications can be picked up from a Chicago public school starting Oct. 1.  Visit the CPS Selective Enrollment website for more information.

Public high school registration forms must be obtained from a Chicago public school (not available online).

Open Houses / Recruitment Events
St. Scholastica
Click here for more information.

Loyola Academy
Click here for more information.

St. Ignatius College Prep
Click here for more information.

High School Test Preparation
The best preparation for high school tests is working hard and keeping up in grade school.  Arco, Barrons, and REA all publish study guides for the high school entrance exams.  They are available at most bookstores and public libraries.  Remember:  Prepare for the "HSPT" exam, NOT the COOP or SSAT.

Click here to access Practice Tests

Click here to download a Study Guide

Click here to get more information about the Entrance Exam