This group of eighth-graders exemplifies the value of the City Day JK-8 philosophy, as they have been accepted into a breadth of remarkable institutions throughout the city, state, and country. Chris Dow Head of School
Members of the Class of 2026 at Chicago City Day School will soon make their mark at top high schools in Chicago and beyond.
The current eighth-graders, who graduate from City Day in June, have earned admission to an impressive list of independent, parochial, boarding, and selective-enrollment public high schools for the fall of 2026. Each student was admitted to multiple schools, and all were admitted to either their first or second choices.
Their success is a testament to all of them as students and to City Day's robust high-school placement efforts.
"This group of eighth-graders exemplifies the value of the City Day JK-8 philosophy, as they have been accepted into a breadth of remarkable institutions throughout the city, state, and country," City Day Head of School Chris Dow said. "I could not be prouder of them or more excited for their futures."
City Day devotes considerable resources to helping graduating students find, and gain acceptance to, high schools that best match the students' particular goals and interests.
Our high school placement program includes a fall High School Night, during which eighth-graders receive information about admissions to different types of high schools and hear directly from City Day alumni about their experiences.
Later in the school year, eighth-graders take a test-preparation class, through which they can develop strategies for the upcoming entrance exams as well as admissions interviews and shadow days. Finally, City Day’s high school placement team provides individual counseling sessions to eighth-graders and their parents, helping the families refine their search and successfully apply to schools.
One eighth-grader, who plans to attend Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire next year, said the test-prep class was an important part of his successful high school search.
"I was nervous in the beginning, because I'm the oldest in my family and the first to go through the admissions process," the student said. "The test-prep class made me feel confident. I'm really glad I was able to take it."
Another eighth-grader, who plans to attend Chicago's Whitney Young Magnet High School, said the class was a source of inspiration as she moved through the admissions process.
"It made me want to work even harder in every aspect of the process, because I knew I could do it," the student said.
City Day, founded in 1981, was designed to serve an elementary-school population. School leaders believe that after eighth grade, young people have reached a point in their development where they are uniquely prepared for brand new experiences in high school — a transition that itself builds important problem-solving skills.
Sara Allison, the eighth-grade homeroom teacher, said she loves guiding students through the school's placement process.
"It’s really gratifying to see the students find the high school that is the best fit," Ms. Allison said. "You sense how excited they are to begin that next chapter, to use all the skills they’ve developed at City Day in their new school environment.”
City Day wishes all of our 2026 graduates-to-be success in high school and beyond!
- Interested in learning more about how we prepare students for top high schools? Attend an admissions event.
