Academic Center Exam Prep Expert Tutors. Proven Strategies. Real Results.
For students applying to take Chicago’s Selective Enrollment Academic Centers-Regional Gifted Exam
Complete Virtual Test Prep Course
From $497
Small groups led by expert tutors. Build confidence, master strategies, improve your score
Live Online Instruction
2-Hour Sessions
Verbal & Non-Verbal
Sections Covered
Proven Score
Improvement
What’s Included in Every Course
✓ 6 Live Group Sessions — Sundays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT. Expert tutor covers both Verbal and Non-Verbal sections.
✓ Diagnostic Assessment — Taken before the course begins to identify your child’s strengths and gaps.
✓ 2 Full-Length Practice Tests — Timed, full-length, mirroring the format of the actual Academic Center exam.
✓ 24/7 Personal Study Coach — Generates personalized practice questions targeting your child’s specific weak areas between sessions.
✓ Coaching Between Sessions — Structured practice and review assignments keep students on track every week.
✓ Parent Progress Reports — Real-time scores, category breakdowns, and progress trends. Check anytime.
✓ Verbal & Non-Verbal Strategies — Both tested sections covered with proven strategies and timed practice.
✓ IEP/504 Support – Accommodations available for students with documented needs.
Choose Your Session
Choose from our 4-week Summer Head Start Intensive or 6-week Fall/Winter course.
We encourage an early start — some concepts are not typically taught in a traditional classroom. Rising 6th graders may benefit from the Summer Head Start followed by 1:1 private sessions. Choose the cohort that fits your timeline. Earlier cohorts give more preparation time.
All sessions are Sundays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT.
Head Start Intensive (Summer) – $497
Summer Cohort A
Earliest exposure – most time to prepare
Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT
Format: Live online via Zoom
Course Schedule:
Week 1 (June 7): Test format + Verbal strategies
Week 2 (June 14): Non-Verbal strategies + practice review
Week 3 (June 21): Advanced strategies + timed practice
Week 4 (June 28): Full Mock + test day tips
Platform access for 6 months
Summer Cohort B
Balance summer schedule with early prep
Dates: July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT
Format: Live online via Zoom
Course Schedule:
Week 1 (July 12): Test format + Verbal strategies
Week 2 (July 19): Non-Verbal strategies + practice review
Week 3 (July 26): Advanced strategies + timed practice
Week 4 (Aug 2): Full Mock + test day tips
Platform access for 6 months
Full 6-Week Course (Fall and Winter) – $697
Cohort 1 – Early Fall
Most preparation time before the test window
Dates: Sep 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT
Format: Live online via Zoom
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Test format + Verbal section overview
Week 2: Non-Verbal section strategies
Week 3: Practice Test 1 review + targeted coaching
Week 4: Advanced Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 5: Advanced Non-Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 6: Full Mock + test day preparation
Platform access through test day
Cohort 2 – Mid Fall
Strong preparation time before the test window
Dates: Oct 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT or 3:00PM-5:00PM
Format: Live online via Zoom
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Test format + Verbal section overview
Week 2: Non-Verbal section strategies
Week 3: Practice Test 1 review + targeted coaching
Week 4: Advanced Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 5: Advanced Non-Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 6: Full Mock + test day preparation
Platform access through test day
Cohort 3 – Late Fall
Focused intensive before the test window
Dates: Nov 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, 20
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM or 3:00PM-5:00PM
Format: Live online via Zoom
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Test format + Verbal section overview
Week 2: Non-Verbal section strategies
Week 3: Practice Test 1 review + targeted coaching
Week 4: Advanced Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 5: Advanced Non-Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 6: Full Mock + test day preparation
Platform access through test day
Cohort 4 – Winter
Last cohort before testing – limited spots
Dates: Dec 13, 20, 27, Jan 3, 10, 17
Day: Sundays
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM or 3:00PM-5:00PM
Format: Live online via Zoom
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Test format + Verbal section overview
Week 2: Non-Verbal section strategies
Week 3: Practice Test 1 review + targeted coaching
Week 4: Advanced Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 5: Advanced Non-Verbal strategies + timed practice
Week 6: Full Mock + test day preparation
Platform access through test day
Why Families Trust CTC
85% Receive Eligible Scores
Proven results with students accepted to CPS Academic Centers and selective programs across Chicago.
15+ Years of Experience
Preparing Chicago students for selective enrollment since 2010.
Stanford University’s NSSA Badge
Recognized for tutoring program design excellence.
24/7 Personal Study Coach
Your child gets support between sessions — adapts to their weaknesses and generates personalized practice.
Parent Progress Reports
Real-time visibility into scores, strengths, and areas for improvement.
IEP/504 Support
Accommodations for students with documented learning needs.
“Our child got into Payton. We got a perfect score. You will be able to repeat the process – we’ll have our little girl going to your program in a few years. Thank you!”
– Chicago Parent
“We got our results – she was offered a seat at Whitney Young! Thanks for all your efforts preparing her. We are overjoyed!”
– Chicago Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPS Academic Center test?
The Academic Center exam is the test used for admission to CPS gifted and accelerated programs. It includes Verbal and Non-Verbal sections. Testing takes place January through February each year.
Which cohort should my child take?
Earlier cohorts give more preparation time and more access to the Personal Study Coach before test day. The summer Head Start Intensive is ideal for families who want maximum lead time. Cohort 4 is a final intensive for families starting closer to the test window.
What is the difference between the Head Start Intensive and the full 6-week course?
The Head Start Intensive is a 4-session summer course designed to introduce your child to the test format and build foundational skills early. The full 6-week course runs in the fall and winter and provides comprehensive preparation including two full-length practice tests, deeper strategy instruction, and targeted coaching. Many families do both.
What does the Personal Study Coach do?
The Personal Study Coach is available 24/7 and generates personalized practice questions based on your child’s individual weak areas. Because it adapts to each student, no two students get the same practice – making it effective whether your child needs Verbal support, Non-Verbal work, or both.
Why should I choose The Critical Thinking Child?
The Critical Thinking Child has been helping Chicago families prepare for selective enrollment exams for over 15 years. Approximately 85% of our students receive eligibility or qualifying scores. We combine experienced certified instructors, proven strategies, and a Personal Study Coach that keeps students practicing between sessions.
My child has an IEP or 504 Plan. Can they get accommodations?
Yes. Contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs and we will ensure appropriate support is in place.
What device does my child need?
A laptop or desktop computer with internet access and Zoom installed. We recommend a laptop to simulate test day conditions.
The Critical Thinking Child offers preparatory courses and practice materials for CPS Academic Center exams and other selective enrollment tests. CPS was not involved in the production of these products. Practice test scores are intended to approximate performance on the actual exam. Individual results may vary and do not guarantee placement or admission.