Chicago’s eighth graders are getting a new high-stakes exam thrown into the mix. Chicago Public Schools is scrapping the High School Admissions Test (HSAT) and moving to the PreACT 9 Secure exam, a longer test that will still help decide who gets into selective and choice high schools.
CPS plans to give the new exam to district eighth graders during the school day on Oct. 7, 2026, while private-school students will be routed to a weekend testing date. Scores will continue to feed into GoCPS admissions decisions, and the district says the overall high school admissions timeline is staying put for next school year. More details, CPS says, are on the way.
What’s Changing and When
In a letter to schools, the district said the PreACT 9 Secure, a more comprehensive exam covering English language arts, math, reading, and science, will take over for the roughly one-hour HSAT that has anchored admissions in recent years, according to Chalkbeat. CPS told schools that district eighth graders are scheduled to take the PreACT during the school day on Oct. 7, 2026, while private-school students will have a weekend option. Despite the test swap, the district says its high school admissions calendar will remain the same next year.
How the PreACT Differs From the HSAT
The HSAT, as described by Chicago Public Schools, has been an achievement-style exam focused on math and reading, clocking in at about an hour. The PreACT 9 Secure is a different animal: the ACT-produced test runs about two and a half hours and includes English language arts, reading, and science sections on top of math. ACT notes that districts may use PreACT 9 for program placement, high-stakes decisions, or simply to give students a preview of the full ACT down the road.
Language Access Concerns
The district’s letter also told schools that the PreACT 9 Secure will not be available in languages other than English. CPS shared data showing that students who took the test in another language scored lower than English learners who took it in English with accommodations, a finding that unsettled some educators, according to Chalkbeat. “I was disheartened and distraught,” said Gabriel Paez of Haugan Elementary. Educators and advocates warn that without expanded supports, the shift could complicate access and understanding for multilingual families.
What Families Should Do Next
CPS says it will share information with teachers and families about how to interpret student performance on the PreACT and has reiterated that the high school admissions schedule will not change for next year, per Chicago Public Schools. Families of English learners are being urged to check with their schools about accommodations and supports. The Illinois State Board of Education also outlines assessment support options districts must consider in its guidance materials.
Why It Matters
Because test scores still carry significant weight in determining eligibility for selective and choice high school programs, this switch to a longer exam with a different format and English-only policy could shift who ultimately receives offers and how students are placed. CPS is expected to roll out more guidance before the October administration; in the meantime, families should keep an eye on messages from their schools and upcoming GoCPS materials as they brace for yet another round of admissions season.
