Jan. 12, 2022 – The virtual School Choice Expo is over, but families still have time to apply for magnet and Special Transfer Option (STO) schools as well as VPK.
The deadline is Monday, Feb. 28. Before then, families can research schools, take virtual and face-to-face tours, and speak with school leaders to help determine the best match for their child for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.
Here are a few things for families to consider as they go through this process.
- There are no guarantees: When parents submit a school choice application, they are entering into a lottery process with other parents. That means there is no guaranteed placement of students in a school or program. Placement is based on seat availability as well as possible academic or other special criteria.
- Not everyone needs to apply: If your child is enrolled in an attendance-area school, and you wish for them to remain there, no action needs to be taken. Additionally, if your child is enrolled in a magnet/STO school and they are currently in grades, K-4, 6-7, or 9-12, there is no need to apply if you wish for them to remain in their current school. You should apply if:
- Your child is entering a school/program for the first time.
- Your child is a magnet student seeking program continuity for 6th or 9th grade.
- Your child is currently enrolled as an STO student as a 5th or 8th grade student.
- Your child attends VPK in a school outside their attendance area and you wish for them to remain enrolled there as a kindergartner.
- Know your transportation options: District transportation for magnet and STO schools may or may not be available depending on several factors. For example, while district transportation is available for most magnet schools, parents and guardians are responsible for the transportation for students enrolled in STO schools. Visit this “How to Apply” webpage and click on the “Learn the details- Priorities and transportation” tab for more information.
- Lottery results will be available in the spring: Parents will receive electronic notification of the results of the application from the School Choice Department. If not accepted into one of their choices, the parent will be waitlisted. Waitlisted students may be contacted for admission into one of the requested schools by waitlist order if any openings occur during the summer.
- Review the 2022-23 School Choice Reference Guide: The guide contains a list of all schools with a snapshot of their special programs and educational offerings. It also walks through the application process, the lottery, and important dates.
Reminder – The deadline to submit a school choice application – including VPK — is Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. The applications are online and available in the parent/guardian focus account. Visit this step-by-step guide on creating a parent account.
