Hundreds of students accepted to LaSalle Language Academy by mistake, CPS says

CHICAGO, IL -- Imagine thinking you've been accepted to one of Chicago's coveted selective enrollment schools, only to find out later: you're out.

That's exactly what's happening to hundreds of students who thought they'd be attending LaSalle Language Academy.

Getting into a Chicago magnet school can be quite a process, so being accepted is an accomplishment. But because of an error by the district, many families who were celebrating are now left looking for a new place to go to school.

CPS made the mistake when assigning the number of transfer students. The district sent out 512 acceptance letters, when only 16 should have gone out.

On Tuesday night, CPS officials said in a statement: "When the error was discovered, CPS immediately called and emailed all families that received an incorrect notification, and District staff is working with families individually to help identify alternate options for their children."

LaSalle Language Academy is a magnet school specializing in foreign languages. Parent Masha Safina has a daughter who already attends LaSalle.

"I know it means a lot for families who are waiting or trying for years to get accepted and that kind of mistake, it's just unfortunate I think," Safina said.

CPS stressed it is committed to working with parents to find other options for students who were part of the mix-up. The district said LaSalle is the only school affected by the error.