Metro Guide
Catholic high schools in Chicago that use the HSPT
The Archdiocese of Chicago runs one of the largest Catholic school systems in the country, and its high schools — from selective college preps to neighborhood schools — nearly all admit through the HSPT, typically offered in early December of 8th grade.
The schools we track
St. Ignatius College Prep
Chicago · Archdiocese of Chicago
A Jesuit college prep in Chicago’s Near West Side, consistently among the most selective Catholic high schools in Illinois.
HSPT: December 5, 2026
Loyola Academy
Chicago · Archdiocese of Chicago
The largest Jesuit high school in the country, in Wilmette on Chicago’s North Shore.
HSPT: December 5, 2026
Marist High School
Chicago · Archdiocese of Chicago
Co-ed Catholic high school in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood neighborhood.
Dates change every cycle — each school page lists when we last checked, and you should confirm specifics with the school’s admissions office.
Applying in Chicago: what to know
- One test, several schools.Most families apply to 2–4 schools. Ask each school whether they accept HSPT scores from another school’s sitting — policies differ by diocese.
- The calendar is compressed. Open houses run September–November, applications are typically due in November, and exams follow in late fall — see the full application timeline.
- Scholarships ride on the exam. Many Chicago schools tie merit awards to HSPT percentile — how the scholarship math works.
New to the test? Start with What is the HSPT? and the 8-week study plan, or try free practice questions.
Applying to Catholic high school in Chicago? Start with a free practice baseline.
Free daily HSPT practice from 1,500 real-format questions, with a weekly progress report for parents.