CPS Pre-K/K Lottery: The 13 factors to use in ranking your elementary school choices in Cambridge [Table Included]

I'm writing this post because I put in so many hours figuring this stuff out for myself last year (January 2022). And I know many other parents were duplicating the same efforts. Well, if this post has any say in the matter: no more! 

If you read (skim) through this, I promise you'll save much valuable time. Here's what I wish I'd known about 1 year ago (when I realized, belatedly, our proximity schools didn't thrill me). 
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Update: A parent emailed me about a comprehensive, parent-created CPS Lottery resource from 2018, but still has a lot of helpful info. 

To-dos for making your CPS ranking:

1. Get a handle on all the "rules" and basics — reading this blog post should do that.
2. Get a handle on the main factors at play — again, this post should pretty much cover you.
3. Schedule in-person tours for all schools of interest. Do it as soon as you're interested in a school, as schools sometimes *stop* offering tours early. (Last year, Morse & Amigos did this.)
4. Make a spreadsheet (even just in pencil) of the schools + factors that matter to you. 
5. Email/text/call your parent-friends about their experiences. (Email me, too, if you want more info on my experience - [email protected].)

LAST STEP: before submitting, make sure you (and your partner) can articulate why you've put each school on your list. This is important as it will:

• clarify your reasoning,
• allow both parents to feel comfortable with their choice, and
• if something should go wrong, knowing how you made your choice should also serve as a guide as to whether you need to think about changing schools. 

Caveat - I'm new & still learning: I have little CPS experience (my 5yo just started in September). And he is healthy with no learning disabilities or other issues so far. FWIW, our son ended up at Baldwin and goes by bus.  

Please email me with corrections/suggestions/questions: [email protected]. I'd love to add your insights to this post. 

And now --
THE RULES & FACTORS you should know before choosing your ranking 

FACTOR #1: PROXIMITY SCHOOLS

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