The Department of Magnet, Gifted, and International Baccalaureate Programs (MGIB) provides program support and professional development for schools currently implementing the following programs:
Magnet / Magnet Cluster Schools
Magnet Schools: A magnet school is a specialized school that focuses its curriculum on one particular subject area, such as math/science, humanities, Montessori, or world language. Most elementary magnet schools do not have attendance boundaries, so students from across the city are able to apply to attend.
Magnet Cluster School: A magnet cluster school is a specialized neighborhood school – it has a neighborhood attendance boundary. Magnet cluster schools also focus their curriculum on one of four subject areas: fine and performing arts, world language, technology, or International Baccalaureate Primary or Middle Years.
Gifted Schools & Programs
Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools: The Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools are founded on the principle that all students are entitled to equal opportunity to develop in relationship to their abilities. A citywide network of program models and services is available to modify, supplement, and support the standard school program in order to challenge children identified as gifted and talented. These are students who consistently demonstrate superior general reasoning ability and/or potential to excel in a specific academic, creative or artistic areas.
Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools consist of Regional Gifted Centers, Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners, Classical Schools, Academic Centers, and the International Gifted Program.
Neighborhood Gifted Programs:Comprehensive Gifted Programs and Specific Aptitude Programs are within-school programs designed for academically advanced students. They are housed in designated magnet, magnet cluster, and open enrollment schools. Comprehensive Gifted Programs serve students in grades 1-8 in all subjects. Specific Aptitude Programs are pullout programs in specific subject areas, for specific grade levels.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
Primary Years Programme (PYP): The PYP is a programme in inquiry designed to meet the personal, social, and educational needs of students aged between 3 and 12 years in grades PreK-5. It is a flexible curriculum framework that allows for national, regional, and local requirements to be met.
Middle Years Programme (MYP): The MYP is a programme of international education designed to help students in grades 6 through 10 develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP): The DP is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university program for academically motivated students in grades 11 and 12. The Programme is widely recognized throughout the globe for its high academic standards.
IB Career-related Programme (CP): The IB CP is designed for students in grades 11 and 12. It incorporates the educational principles, vision and learner profile of the IB into a unique offering that specifically addresses the needs of students who wish to engage in career related education.
Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
The Advanced Placement Program® offers students the opportunity to gain college-level skills and earn college credit while still in high school. AP courses follow specific course guidelines developed and published by the College Board.
Resources for Parents
Finding a Magnet, Gifted, or IB Schools
Visit CPS School Locator to search for a CPS school that offers a Magnet, Gifted, or IB program.
Applying to Magnet, Gifted, or IB Programs
Visit the Office of Access and Enrollment for information on the schools that offer Magnet, Gifted, and IB programs and to learn about how to apply to these programs.
Please reach out to our team with questions on curriculum and instruction in Magnet, Gifted, IB, and AP Programs.