Public Random Drawing (Lottery) Process
The lottery process is designed to be fair, transparent, and accessible to all families. Below are the procedures as outlined in the charter petition.
Open Enrollment Period
Applications are accepted during a publicly advertised open application period from August, after school starts, through the second week of February for enrollment in the following school year. At the close of the open application period each year, applications will be counted to determine whether any grade level has received more applications than available seats.
When a Lottery Is Held
If the number of students who wish to attend exceeds capacity, enrollment (except for existing pupils) will be determined by a public random drawing ("lottery").
Lottery Notification
Public notice is posted at the Charter School and on the Charter School's website regarding the date, time, and location of the lottery. The notice includes an explanation that parents and guardians do not need to be present at the lottery but may attend if they choose to do so.
Lottery Date & Location
A typical petition fixes the drawing for a set day in February, in the afternoon, so that interested families can attend; the exact date is published by the school in advance. The lottery is held at the Charter School in a location that is large enough to accommodate all interested parties. The lottery is also live-streamed and recorded. The lottery is open to the public.
How Participants Are Contacted
Attempts will be made to contact all lottery participants by telephone, text, email, or written letter specifying the date, time, and location of the lottery and the rules to be followed during the lottery process.
Enrollment at charter schools is open to all families regardless of background.
How the public random drawing worksWhat to Do Next
Applications are free, and every school publishes its own dates. The enrollment guide explains the whole sequence; the student-rights page covers what the law guarantees.