By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–Starting Monday, and over the next six weeks, students in the San Diego Unified School District have their annual opportunity to enroll in schools outside their neighborhood boundaries, including magnet schools. The choice window for the 2023-24 school year is open, school officials said.
All San Diego Unified students are eligible under the program, as well as out-of-district students and those attending private or charter schools. With the district’s Universal Transitional Kindergarten program at nearly all elementary and K-8 sites, choice options have been expanded to more of the youngest learners, providing outstanding educational opportunities for children who turn four by September 1.
More than 10,000 area students through all grade levels typically apply to San Diego Unified’s choice program, and last year roughly 85 percent who applied on time received a spot at one of their top three school selections.
“Our neighborhood schools are the perfect fit for many of our families,” San Diego Unified Operations Support Officer Marceline Marques said. “But others may be looking for a specialty program offered at another school, like language immersion, STEAM, visual and performing arts, or International Baccalaureate. Perhaps another location just fits better for childcare or a parent’s workplace. Whatever the reason, we have an excellent school for every family.”
School Choice enrollment is determined through a computerized lottery system. Weight is given to factors such as sibling enrollment and magnet program continuity. Priority is not given based on when the application is received during the enrollment window, provided it comes in by the deadline of November 15. After that date, applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Click here to see specific programs offered by schools.
Families will receive an email notification by early March indicating whether a student has been accepted or waitlisted to a school of choice.
Parent information sessions were conducted via Zoom on September 26 and 29 in conjunction with the school district’s Family Engagement office, and over 1000 parents participated.
The district offers personalized consultations for families who wish to discuss their options with an enrollment specialist, or for those having difficulty with the application process. The multilingual staff at the Family Welcome and Enrollment Center is available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog at (619) 260-2410 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
