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K-12 Enrollment

K-12 School Choice

School Choice Application Process

Houston ISD is an open-enrollment district, meaning families—in district and out of district—have the flexibility to apply to any school that best meets their child’s unique needs and interests.

The School Choice Process allows you to apply for specialty programs and campuses across the entire district. Applications are accepted in two phases annually: 

  • Phase I (Recommended): Apply during this window for the best chance to secure a seat at your top-ranked school via our lottery system. 
  • Phase II: Available for remaining seats and families new to the district. 

While you may apply in both phases, you do not need to apply in Phase II if you are satisfied with your Phase I application. More information regarding each phase can be found below.

School Choice

Phase I: Lottery-Based Selection

Phase I is the primary window for all applicants.

  • Rank Your Preferences: You may apply for up to 10 schools or programs. You must rank them in order of preference of true interest (1st = most desired school).
  • Eligibility Check: Applications are reviewed to ensure students meet any specific program requirements. For more information regarding eligibility, click here
  • The Lottery: Once the Phase I window closes, applications can no longer be edited. All eligible applications are entered into a lottery to determine seat placements.
  • Waitlists: Eligible students who are not offered a seat during the lottery are automatically placed on a waitlist for those schools.

Note: If you apply during Phase I, you do not need to re-apply during Phase II.

 

Phase II: Seat Availability

Phase II is for families who missed the initial window or are new to the district.

  • First-Come, First-Served Basis: Unlike the Phase I lottery, Phase II offers are based strictly on remaining seat availability.
  • Waitlist Continuity: If a school already has a waitlist from Phase I, that waitlist carries over. Phase II applicants will be added to the end of the existing Phase I waitlist.
  • Application Limits & Duplicate Entries: * You may apply for up to 10 schools or programs.
    • Important: A student can only be on a specific school’s waitlist once. If you are already waitlisted for a school from Phase I, the system will not allow you to apply for that same school again in Phase II. You cannot "re-enter the line" to get a different spot.
  • Closing Windows for 2026-2027 School Year: 
    • Current/Returning Students: Phase II closes on August 21, 2026.
    • Students New to the District: Phase II remains open to accommodate families moving into the area.
  • Closing Windows for 2027-2028 School Year: 
    • Current/Returning Students: Phase II closes one week before school opens.
    • Students New to the District: Phase II remains open to accommodate families moving into the area.

 

Important: Application Status for Returning Students

To ensure schools can finalize their classroom rosters, there is a final cutoff for enrollment offers.

  • Deadline:
    • 2026-2027 school year: If a current or returning student has not received an offer by August 21, 2026, their application will be retired.
    • 2027-2028 school year: If a current or returning student has not received an offer one week before school opens, their application will be retired.
  • What this means: 
    • 2026-2027 school year: August 21, 2026 is the final day a returning student can receive a seat offer. After this time, the application process for the current cycle concludes for these students.
    • 2027-2028 school year: One week before school opens will be the final day a returning student can receive a seat offer. After this time, the application process for the current cycle concludes for these students.