CHOICES TIMELINE

How to Apply for Choices Programs?

• Pick Your Programs: Applicants can apply for up to six programs and multiple schools within each program on just one application.
• Do Your Research: Before applying, it is a good idea to contact the school in which you are interested. The school can tell you about information sessions, tours, uniforms, and even busing (if offered).
• Only Apply to Programs You Want to Attend: Applicants that apply to more than one choice per program, and are not offered admission, will ONLY be waitlisted for their first choice (except Affiliated Charter). Second and third choices are optional. Current magnet students that apply to another magnet program and are offered admission will automatically lose their seat regardless of whether or not they accept.
• Check the Eligibility Requirements: Make sure to check the eligibility requirements and verification procedures for each program before applying. Some programs might have extra steps to verify if the applicant meets the requirements.
• Apply On-time: Apply online at Choices.LAUSD.net or pick up a paper application at your local LA Unified school. The on-time application for the next school year opens in October every year.

Already Enrolled in a Choices Program?

• New Application: The applicant was on a waiting list last year and wants another opportunity, or to switch programs, they will need a new application. Applicants also need to apply if they are culminating, i.e. from elementary to middle school.
• Already Enrolled: If the applicant is already in a Choices program and wants to stay there, they do not need a new application.

Have Siblings?

• Twins and Triplets: If the applicant is a twin or triplet, all siblings need to live at the same address. Twins/triplets must submit separate applications to the same program (first choice only) in the same year to be placed consecutively during the selection process.
• Sibling Priority: Sibling priority only applies to currently enrolled siblings of students that will attend the same program next school year. To receive sibling priority, applicant(s) need to list all of the siblings on the application. Siblings must live at the same address. Make sure the address is correct in the system before the application deadline.

Ready to Start School?

• Age-Grade Eligibility is required for Universal Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade.
  • Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK): UTK is a two-year Kindergarten program for children turning 4 by September 1st.
  • Kindergarten: Kindergartners must turn 5 by September 1st.
  • First Grade: First graders must turn 6 by September 1st.

Don’t Forget!

• Applications: If multiple applications are submitted for the same applicant, only the first one is considered.
• Attend: If the applicant is not enrolled and attending school by the first week, they will lose their Choices spot.
• Paper Application: The paper Choices brochure and application is online at Choices.LAUSD.net or at any LA Unified school or office.
• Double-Check Your Application! It is up to the applicant to make sure that all information is correct.
  • Check Grades Offered: Not all Choices elementary programs offer UTK. A list of schools that offer UTK is in the Choices brochure.
  • Proof of Age: For a child to start UTK, Kindergarten, or First Grade, they will need proof that they are the right age. Applicants can only apply to Choices programs that match their age. Even if they are in a different grade now, age is what matters for Choices applications. Applicants can request grade-level continuance or acceleration when they enroll.The school principal will determine the final placement based on age, grade level and seat capacity once enrolled.

What Happens After Applying?

• Notification of Admission (March): Online applicants will receive an email and paper applicants will receive a mailed letter in mid- March. This notification includes offer(s) of admission to Choices program(s). The admitted applicant must accept or decline online or by contacting the school. If no response is received by the deadline, it is considered a decline. All declines are final.
• Accepting an Offer: Admitted applicants can only accept one Choices placement. If the applicant is admitted into another program and accepts it, they will be dropped automatically from their current placement. For Magnet Programs ONLY: Admitted applicants can only accept one Choices placement. If the applicant is admitted into another magnet program, they will be dropped automatically from their current magnet placement.

Need to Make a Correction or Change?

• Online Updates: Applicants can update their online application until November 15, 2024.
• Application Withdrawals and Corrections: Email ApplyforSchools@lausd.net by January 17, 2025, or mail the request to Choices, P.O. Box 513307, Los Angeles, CA 90051

Waitlisted?

• Waitlist: Applicants will be placed on a waitlist for their first-choice only (within each program). Affiliated Charter Schools will put the applicant on a waitlist for all the schools to which they applied.
• Waitlist Offers: The applicant will be contacted by the school if a waitlist spot opens up.

Missed the Choices On-Time Deadline?

• Late Choices applications for the 2025-26 school year are accepted starting February 3, 2025.
• Late applicants can apply to as many programs as they want, but each choice requires a separate application.
• Apply online at Choices.LAUSD.net or mail the application to Choices, P.O. Box 513307, Los Angeles, CA 90051.
• Late applications will be added to the end of the waiting list. The school will make contact if a spot opens up, which could be any time from the first few weeks of spring to the second semester of the following school year (see program information for details).
• Applying late to additional schools will not affect your on-time application.
• Three Choices programs (Gifted/Highly Gifted Magnet, Schools for Advanced Studies and Admission Criteria Schools) require the applicant to meet specific criteria, even for late applications. If a spot opens up, the school will make contact with more information about eligibility criteria. Waitlisted applicants may be contacted from the first few weeks of spring to the second semester of the following school year (see program information for details).

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