The Effectiveness of the Chicago Public School High School Selective Enrollment System

Research that has previously attempted to determine the effectiveness of selective enrollment institutions in Chicago, compared to their non-selective counterparts, has almost exclusively focused on quantitative approaches. This project sought to evaluate whether SEHS (selective enrollment high schools) are beneficial for all students who attend from a qualitative perspective. Former students were surveyed and interviewed as a part of the study.

The study found that there is a discernable benefit to attending these institutions, compared to other schools, due to many SEHS having fundraising arms that bring in hundreds of thousands of additional dollars a year. This extra money means that teachers have more equipment to perform their job, and students generally have better resources and facilities. However, there is a stark divide in the kind of students who benefit the most and least from attending these schools. Low income and/or POC students have unique challenges when they attend these schools. These issues include but are not limited to distinct racism/classism and long commute times. Wealthier students do not face the same burdens as their lower-income peers. Therefore, CPS must make changes to its selective enrollment schools to better serve the needs of its most vulnerable students.