The other half are selected through a lottery from a citywide pool of applicants seeking inclusion in the computer technology options program. Each year, some 3,000 students from across the city of Chicago apply for the 150 openings in the technology program.

Technology plays a central role at Bogan. As the school describes itself in its technology plan, "Using modern computer technologies, we prepare students for the modern world of work and life-long skills using modern technologies for survival." Located in a working-class neighborhood with an ethnically diverse population, the two-story school building is 40 years old but well maintained and in the midst of a major renovation. It has gotten new windows, floors, and ceilings, and a new science laboratory, along with major renovation of its swimming pool and modifications for handicap access.

Students give a casual air to the school uniform of white tops and black pants. Bogan's 1,850 students are 46% African American, 26% Hispanic, 21% Caucasian, and 7% Asian. Just 4% are limited in English proficiency; 76% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Incoming students fall in the middle of the range of test scores for the district.