Student School Assignment

Posted on: March 29, 2023

Summary: Students are assigned to their attendance area school based on where they live. Families may request a different school through School Choice.

Understanding School Choice and School Assignment

New Students

Is your child starting kindergarten or a new SPS student?

Once registered, students are automatically assigned to their Attendance Area School.

Find your attendance area school.

Map of All SPS Schools

Kindergarten and new SPS students: After registering, you are emailed your student’s SPS ID number and Attendance Area School Assignment.

Current Students

Is your child currently an SPS student? Note: If you have applied for a different school during Open Enrollment, results are available in mid-April.

Check your assignment.

Enrollment Timeline

January Enrollment opens for the next school year

February 1 – 28 Open Enrollment “On-time” applicants are eligible for tiebreakers.

March 1 – May 31 School Choice continues. Applications are not eligible for tiebreakers

April 19 Open Enrollment results available. Parents and guardians can check assignment on the student assignment form.

June 1 – August 31 Students and families are notified if accepted from the school waitlist.

June 1 Student assignment appeals form opens

June 1 – August 31 Non-resident applications accepted

August 31 All students are assigned; wait lists dissolve

Do you want to request a different school than your student’s assigned school?

Follow the steps below

Fill out a Student Choice form. School Choice forms for the upcoming school year are accepted February 1 – May 31. Forms completed during Open Enrollment (February 1 -28) are considered “On-time” and eligible for tiebreakers.
- SPS Enrollment School Choice Webpage
- John Stanford Center, 2445 3rd Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134
Select up to five schools in order of preference (#1 = first choice, #2 = second choice, etc.)
Parent or Guardian signs the form
Submit form
- On The Source (parent portal) between Feb. 1 – March 30.
- Email, scan or take a photo and send to: schoolchoice@seattleschools.org
- Mail: 2445 3rd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134
- Drop off: SPS Admissions Office, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 p.m. at the address above
Find results: Results are available April 19
- Kindergarten and other new families: Check your email or call 206-252-0760
- Already-enrolled: Check The Source (the parent portal)

Appeals: Is the result not the school you requested? Parents or guardians can submit an appeal.

How School Choice Assignments are Made

School Choice Tiebreakers

If SPS receives more applications than seats available for a specific school and grade, tiebreakers are used to determine assignment and wait list.

Attendance Area Schools: tiebreakers for available seats after assignment at of attendance area students:

Sibling
Lottery

Option Schools: tiebreakers for available seats for option schools:

Sibling
Geographic Zone
Lottery

Questions? Contact SPS Admissions Office: 206-252-0760 or admissions@seattleschools.org
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