FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions | Unique Education Pathways (UEP)

When is the on-time application period?

The application window opens Oct. 1 - Nov. 15, 2024. Families may submit a paper application or apply online at Choices.Lausd.Net.

Are on-time applications processed on a first-come-first-served basis?

No. Applications received during the on-time application period will be processed after the application window closes. Students are selected according to the school’s selection priorities.

What if there are more applications than seats available for a program?

A random, unbiased selection process will be conducted centrally and students will be placed in accordance with the school’s priorities for attendance.

What is the application process for Unique Education Pathways (UEP’s)?

All students residing within and outside Los Angeles Unified are welcome to apply to Unique Education Pathways (UEP). In December, all on-time applicants will be contacted directly by the UEP(s) to which they applied. Applicants will be provided detailed information about the program purpose, expectations, eligibility criteria, and verification process for 2025-26 enrollment. Applicants must meet program-specific eligibility criteria to proceed to the selection process. In addition to meeting eligibility criteria, applicants residing outside of Los Angeles Unified must obtain an inter-district permit to attend a Unique Education Pathway. Please contact the school directly for more information.

What if a student doesn't submit an application within the on-time application period of Oct. 1 - Nov. 15 and wants to enroll in a UEP?

They may apply during the late application period, which begins February 3, 2025. Students will be placed in the order the applications are received based on space availability.

Will families be allowed to submit a paper application?

Yes. Paper applications will be available at the school sites, Parent & Community Services Offices, Region Offices, and Los Angeles City Public Libraries. It is the responsibility of the family to mail their child's paper application via US mail to the District office. Both online and paper applications will be treated the same when submitted during the on-time period.

Should a school accept a paper application?

No. Schools will not accept paper applications. Families are responsible for submitting paper applications via US Mail to Unified Enrollment, P.O. Box 513307, Los Angeles, CA 90051.

If a student comes to enroll on the first day of school and there is space available, do they need to complete a Late Choices application?

Yes. All new students participating in an UEP must submit a Choices application.

Do students currently enrolled in an UEP need to re-apply?

No. Only students changing schools need to re-apply.

Since families are applying through the Choices application, will UEP applicants accrue points?

No. Only students applying for Magnet programs will accrue Magnet Priority Points.

How many UEP’s may a family apply for using the online or paper on-time application?

Families may apply for as many UEP programs as they would like during the on-line on-time application window. For the paper application, families can only apply to one UEP program.

What if a family doesn't have access to a computer?

Families may access smart phones, school computers, public libraries, Welcome Centers at Regions or parent centers to apply online. Families may also submit a paper application via US mail to the Unified Enrollment, P.O. Box 513307, Los Angeles, CA 90051.

Can a student accept a seat in multiple programs and schools?

No. The family will have until the acceptance deadline (early April 2025) to accept one program that is best suited for their child. Once a student has accepted a program, they will be removed from all other UEP programs but will remain on the waitlist for each of the other programs to which they were not selected.

Will transportation be provided for Unique Education Pathways students?

While transportation is not guaranteed for UEP, families may be provided with transportation depending on district route availability. Contact the transportation division for more information.

Exceptions:

· Students with disabilities enrolling in a Unique Education Pathways School will have access to transportation if the student’s IEP requires transportation.
· Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), foster youth in out-of-home care, as defined, and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to receive transportation to and from their school of origin. Please contact Student Support Programs at (213) 241-3840 for more information and/or assistance.

Who can I contact for additional programmatic questions?

Please contact the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177.

When will the applications be delivered to schools?

Applications will be delivered during the week of September 23, 2024.

Can I receive any support on the new online application?

Yes. We have prepared an online tutorial on how to complete the application. Face-to-Face trainings are available upon request.

Will students living within LAUSD boundaries need an Intra-District permit to attend an UEP School at a location other than their home school?

No. Intra-District (within LAUSD) permits are no longer required.

What if space becomes available?

If space becomes available, UEPs are responsible for contacting applicants who are next on the waiting list and offering the students a seat at the school.

Will students living outside LAUSD boundaries need an Inter-District permit to attend a UEP school?

Yes. UEP welcomes students living outside LAUSD boundaries. Please contact the UEP school directly for more information.

What are the requirements for the Individual Honors Program (IHP)?

IHP program is a very accelerated program. Parents should research the Schools in the IHP program and make sure the school is a good fit for the desire and abilities of their child. All IHP schools must abide by the application and enrollment policy of LAUSD.

What are the Selection priorities for UEP schools?

Schools select students based on the following priorities:

Siblings of current students who reside within LAUSD boundaries (who will attend the same school).
Students living within LAUSD boundaries.
Siblings of current students who reside outside LAUSD boundaries (who will attend the same school).
Students living outside LAUSD boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | CHOICES - Affiliated Charter Schools

What are affiliated charter schools?

An affiliated charter school is a semi-autonomous public school governed by the LAUSD Board of Education, operating in accordance with District policy and the approved charter. An affiliated charter school can be either a “conversion” (a traditional District school that is approved by the Board of Education to convert to an affiliated charter status), or a "start-up" (a new school that is developed and authorized as an affiliated charter school). Both affiliated charter school models receive oversight from a regional office and the Los Angeles Unified Charter Schools Division.

What is the CHOICES on-time application timeline?

The CHOICES on-time application window will open October 1, 2024, and close on November 15, 2024. Applications received before the application deadline, November 15, 2024, will be included in the public random lottery, if needed. A late application will be available beginning February 3, 2025. Late applicants are not included in the school lottery.

Who can attend an affiliated charter school?

Any student who lives in California can apply to an affiliated charter school. Parents who live in the school attendance boundary do not apply and directly contact the school for enrollment. Parents who live outside of the school attendance boundary apply through the CHOICES application at http://apply.lausd.net, or with the CHOICES brochure, for grades Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) – 12th grade.

If I apply for an affiliated charter school and live outside of the L.A. Unified School District boundaries, do I need a permit?

It is not necessary to use an inter-district permit to apply for admission to an affiliated charter school. If you live within California, you may apply online at http://apply.lausd.net or with our CHOICES brochure paper application.

Do students that live in the school’s attendance boundary need to apply through CHOICES?

No, students who live in the affiliated charter school’s resident attendance boundary do not apply through CHOICES. Students that live in the attendance boundary go directly to the affiliated charter school to enroll. Parents can use the School Explorer at http://explore.lausd.org to see if their address is within the resident attendance boundary.

How do students that apply get selected for admission to an affiliated charter school?

Parents apply during the on-time application window online or with a paper application. They can apply to multiple affiliated charter schools without preference order. If the number of students who wish to attend exceeds the affiliated charter school's operational capacity, a public random lottery will occur.

When and how will the lottery be conducted?

If there are more applicants than seats available, the affiliated charter school shall conduct its public random drawing (lottery) during the month of February. Information regarding the date and procedure for the lottery will be communicated by the affiliated charter school to parents, posted on the school’s website, and made readily available in the main office.

I have a child already attending the affiliated charter school, will my applying child get a sibling priority?

When a lottery is conducted, priorities are given to on-time applications in the following order:

Siblings of students attending and continuing at the school AND that also live within L.A. Unified (District) boundaries.
All other applicants that live within District boundaries.
Siblings of students attending and are continuing at the school and do not live within District boundaries.
All other applicants that do not live within District boundaries.

I have applied for siblings that share the same birth date (twins, triplets, etc.). What happens if one gets selected in the lottery and the other does not?

Multiple-birth applicants (e.g., twins, triplets) that reside at the same address and apply to the same program in the same year will be placed consecutively in the CHOICES selection process.

Will there be any changes to how parents apply if my affiliated charter school is also a magnet, SAS, or dual language education program?

Parents will continue to apply to magnet programs and magnet centers through the CHOICES brochure as they have always done. For SAS or dual language education programs at an affiliated charter school, parents first apply and must be accepted into the affiliated charter school. After a student is selected through the affiliated charter school process, the student may participate in the SAS gifted/talented program or Dual Language Program if they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

Who is responsible for notifying parents of their selection and waitlist status?

CHOICES will send selection/waitlist letters for on-time applicants in mid-March 2025.

What if I missed the on-time application window?

The late application window will be available beginning February 3, 2025. Late applications are added to the waiting list in the order received. Parents that apply using the late application will only be contacted by the school if a seat is available and your child is next on the waiting list. Parents may contact the school directly to inquire about their status on the waiting list beginning in April 2025.

Can a child accept multiple placements?

While a family may apply for multiple schools, be offered and waitlisted for multiple schools, a child/family can only accept one placement at a time.After accepting an offer of admission, if the parent receives another offer in the future, they can accept that new offer and the previously accepted placement will be changed to declined.

Can an applicant remain on waitlist(s) if they accept a CHOICES placement?

Applicants will remain on the waiting list for all affiliated charter schools they apply to. Even if they accept placement to another affiliated charter school or other CHOICES program, they will remain on the waitlist for the other school on the application. Applicants will remain on the waiting list for one school year only.

Is there transportation?

Transportation may be available for students participating in Choices programs. Please visit the Transportation Services Division website at https://www.lausd.org/transportation to complete the opt-in process or speak to an administrator at your school to inquire about transportation options.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please get in touch with the school directly for information about a specific affiliated charter school's instructional program, goals, and public random lottery process.

For assistance with the application process please contact the CHOICES helpline at (213) 241-4177 or email us at applyforschools@lausd.net.

For general inquiries about charter schools, including independent charter schools, that are not part of the CHOICES application, please contact the Charter Schools Division office at (213) 241-0399.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Multilingual Multicultural Program (MMP)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Dual Language Education Programs

Is the Dual Language Education (DLE) program for English Learners?

Yes. All students, including English Learners, benefit from Dual Language Education programs.

Are there any requirements to enroll my child in a Dual Language Education (DLE) program?

Students may enter the program at any time in grades Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK)-1^st Grade and continue in the program until the student culminates from the school or parents withdraw the student from the DLE program. A target language verification will be required for students new to LA Unified and students new to a DLE program in grades 2nd-12th with no prior DLE experience. In some cases, a new student who has proficiency in the target language (Arabic, Armenian, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish) can enroll in a DLE program after 1^st grade.

Are Dual Language Education Programs the same as Two-Way Immersion programs?

Dual Language is an umbrella term used nationwide. A Two-Way Immersion Program is one of three different dual language programs offered in L.A. Unified. Two-Way Immersion Programs are designed for both English learners and English speakers.

What languages are available in L.A. Unified Dual Language Education programs?

Currently, L.A. Unified offers Two-Way Immersion Programs in Arabic/English, Armenian/English, French/English, Japanese/English, Korean/English, Mandarin/English, and Spanish/English in selected elementary, middle, and high schools. The program goals are bilingualism and biliteracy.
The One-Way Immersion Program offers Armenian/English, Korean/English, and Spanish/English in selected elementary and secondary schools. The program goals are bilingualism and biliteracy.
The World Language Immersion Program offers programs in Korean/English, Mandarin/English, and Spanish/English in selected elementary and secondary schools. The program goals are bilingualism and biliteracy.

Will students living within L.A. Unified boundaries need an Intra-District permit to attend a Dual Language Education program at a location other than their home school?

No. Intra-District (within L.A. Unified) permits are no longer required for these programs.

Will students living outside of L.A. Unified boundaries need an Inter-District permit to attend a Dual Language Education (DLE) program?

Yes. Parents need to apply for an incoming Inter-District permit when selected for their DLE School of choice. For information about Inter-District permits, visit the Office of Student Health & Human Services at https://achieve.lausd.net/shhs .

Will transportation be provided for Dual Language Education (DLE) program students?

When do I need to apply?

The Choices on-time application window is October 1 - November 15, 2024. If you miss the application window, the late application period begins February 3, 2025. Late applicants are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. (Students are placed in the order of their selection preferences.)

Are On-time applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis?

No. Applications received during the on-time application period will be processed after the application window closes. Students are placed according to their enrollment placement preferences.

What if there are more applications than seats available for a program?

An unbiased, electronic selection will be conducted centrally, and students will be placed in accordance with the priorities for attendance. Siblings of current students in the dual language programs have priority for attendance. If there are more applicants than spaces available for a given grade, students will be placed on a waiting list.

I do not have access to the internet, can I submit a paper application? Where can I get assistance with completing the application?

School sites, Los Angeles City Public Libraries and Region Offices have copies of the Choices brochure and paper application. Parent workshops and fairs will be held to assist parents with filling out the application. Submit paper applications to Unified Enrollment, P.O. Box 513307, Los Angeles CA 90051.

Will resident students have priority enrollment?

Yes, within the application window. Resident students who apply during the on-time application window are selected after resident siblings. Resident students, who apply during the late application window, are selected after resident siblings and in the order; the late Choices application was received. The number of students who are selected depends on each school’s seat availability.

Do students currently enrolled in a Dual Language Education (DLE) Program need to re-apply?

No. However, a new application is needed for matriculating students and for students wishing to attend another DLE program school.

Since families are applying through the Choices application, will Dual Language Education applicants accrue points?

No. Only students applying for Magnet programs will accrue Magnet priority points.

How many different school programs can I apply to?

Parents can apply to all Choices programs (Magnet, PWT, Dual Language Education, International Newcomer Academies, Admission Criteria Schools, Schools for Advanced Studies, and Affiliated Charter Schools) in the Choices application. For Magnet, Dual Language Education, and Schools for Advanced Studies, you may apply for up to three choices for each program during the on-time application window.

How many programs could I be selected to?

You could be selected to all programs to which you applied. However, you may only accept one program by the April 11, 2025 deadline.

Who will I contact regarding Dual Language Education Programs?

Please contact the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177.

Frequently Asked Questions | International Newcomer Academies

Is the International Newcomer Academy for English Learners?

The International Newcomer Academy is intended for English Learners designated per state definition as non-U.S. born and in the country from 0-3 years. The program is meant to support the acquisition of fundamentals of English and formal academic English as well as attain secondary content area requirements that meet college and career expectations. Language and content integration is a key element to the program.

Are there any requirements to enroll my child in the International Newcomer Academy?

Yes, the International Newcomer Academy is intended for English Learners who are non-resident students and designated per state definition as non-U.S. born and in the country 3 years or less. This is an academy for students who are new to the U.S. and are interested in a rigorous, dynamic college preparatory academy. For information about how to apply to the International Newcomer Academy, please refer to questions 5 & 6.

Is this academy the same as other English Learner (EL) programs?

The aspiration of this academy is to have our International Newcomer students acquire English in tandem with graduation/A-G requirements. In contrast to traditional EL programs, this academy serves students in an interdisciplinary fashion integrating English Language Acquisition and rigorous secondary subject matter. Traditional English Learner programs in secondary settings have a designated EL course for students and subject matter teachers are expected to integrate English Language acquisition in their subject matter courses. Rather, in this academy that design becomes interwoven into the rigorous curriculum of subject matter courses.

How does the International Newcomer Academy support the diversity of languages that are possible/present in the program?

The approach of the International Newcomer Academy is a multilingual integration of culture and linguistic capacity of all students. Students acquire English as they acquire traditional high school subject matter content as well as A-G requirements for CSU/UC prerequisites. Teachers are prepared through dynamic professional development to leverage the students’ multilingual and multicultural capacities to assist the students in their learning. Irrespective of the home language, students will be exposed to globally relevant and collaboratively designed curriculum and content. Students from all languages can participate.

Will students that live in the school residency apply using a Choices application?

No. Resident students from Belmont High School and Bernstein High School must apply through Zones of Choice (ZOC). Families from Belmont High School and Bernstein High School will not apply using the Choices application. If a parent/guardian would like their child to attend an International Newcomer Academy (INA) within their ZOC, the parent/guardian must select that site as their first choice during the ZOC selection process. If a student is assigned to a designated INA site through this ZOC process and meets the eligibility criteria, the student must be accommodated in the site’s INA program. Placement appeals through the ZOC office will not be considered if the student did not select the INA site as their first choice on the ZOC application.

For information about Zones of Choice (ZOC), please contact the ZOC office at (213) 241-0466 or email https://achieve.lausd.net/zoc or zoc@lausd.net

Resident students from Van Nuys High School wishing to participate in the INA program will need to apply directly with Van Nuys High School. Van Nuys High School does not have the ZOC program.

Will Non-resident students need to apply to the program using a Choices application?

Yes. Non-resident students from Belmont High School, Bernstein High School, and Van Nuys High School who wish to participate in the International Newcomer Academies will need to apply using a Choices application.

Will students living outside the residential boundaries need an Intra-District permit to attend the International Newcomer Academy program?

Non-residential students who apply with a Choices application for the International Newcomer Academy do not need an Intra-District permit.

Will students living outside of L.A. Unified boundaries need an Inter-District permit to attend an International Newcomer Academy program?

Yes. Students who reside outside of L.A. Unified boundaries will need to complete an incoming Inter-District permit.

Will transportation be provided for International Newcomer Academy students?

When do I need to apply?

Resident students should apply through the ZOC process. Contact ZOC at (213) 241-0466. Non-resident students can apply with a Choices application. The on-time Choices application window is from October 1 – November 15, 2024. The late Choices application window opens on February 3, 2025 and continues through the following school year.

Are On-Time applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis?

No. Applications received during the on-time Choices application period will be processed after the application window closes.

What if there are more applications than seats available for a program?

The International Newcomer Academy accepts all qualified students, year round.

I do not have access to the internet; can I submit a paper application? Where can I get assistance with completing the application?

Families of non-resident students can apply using the Choices paper application. School sites and Parent Centers located at all Local District Offices have copies of the Choices brochure and paper application. Parent workshops and fairs will be held to assist parents with filling out the paper and online Choices application. Submit paper applications to Los Angeles Unified School District, Unified Enrollment, P.O. Box 513307, Los Angeles, CA 90051.

Will students who are currently enrolled in the International Newcomer Academy need to re-apply?

No.

Since non-resident families are applying through the Choices application system, will International Newcomer Academy applicants accrue points?

No. Only students applying for Magnet programs will accrue Magnet priority points.

Can I apply to Choices Programs and the International Newcomer Academy?

Families may apply to one or more of the Choices programs on a single Choices application. For Magnet, Dual Language Education, and Schools for Advanced Studies, you may apply for up to three choices for each program during the on-time Choices application window. During the late Choices application, families can apply to only one choice per program. Families can apply to as many Choices Programs other than the International Newcomer Academies by submitting multiple late Choices applications.

How many Choices programs other than the International Newcomer Academy could I be selected to?

You could be selected to more than one program to which you applied using the Choices application. However, you may only accept one program by the April deadline.

Whom will I contact in regards to the International Newcomer Academy program?

Please contact the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177.

Frequently Asked Questions | Magnet Programs

What is the magnet program?

Magnet programs are Court-Ordered voluntary integration opportunities available to students in grades K-12 living within L.A. Unified. Currently there are 334 magnet programs located throughout L.A. Unified.

Who can apply to magnet programs?

All students living within the boundaries of L.A. Unified are eligible to apply, including English learners, special education, and gifted/talented students.

What is the difference between magnet and gifted?

The magnet program is a court-ordered voluntary integration program open to all L.A. Unified students. Fifty-seven (57) of the 334 magnet programs available are Gifted or Highly Gifted programs. In order to apply to one of these 57 programs, students must first meet the eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for a magnet school?

You may complete the application on-line at Choices.lausd.net or the Choices Brochure contains the application for the magnet schools and is available the beginning of October.

Can I apply to more than one magnet?

Students may apply for up to three magnet programs. If the applicant is selected to their first choice, choice two and three are not considered. If the applicant is selected into any program of their choice, the student will not be placed on any waiting list. If there is no space available in any of their choices, the student will be placed on the waiting list for their first choice only.

How do I submit the application?

All applications are to be sent via U.S. mail or submitted online. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for lost applications.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

Parents may submit Late Applications beginning February 3, 2025. If space becomes available the school’s magnet coordinator will contact you. The Late Application does not guarantee placement at the school site.

How are students accepted into magnet programs?

Students are selected based on the magnet program goal and are randomly accepted into magnet programs based on the number of priority points they accrue. The number of students selected is based on the number of available spaces at a particular school. Any student who sent in an on-time application, but was not selected, is placed on a waiting list for their first choice only.

Are students selected on a first-come first-served basis?

No. The selection process is random and occurs after the on-time application deadline.

Is there guaranteed selection if I apply?

No. Applicants are not guaranteed selection.

How do I know if my child was selected or not?

In December, you will receive a letter confirming receipt of your child’s application. In March, you will be notified by mail or via the parent account as to whether your child was selected or placed on the waiting list.

What is my child's status on the waiting list?

Your child’s status will depend on the number of openings at the school of application as well as the number of applicants. You may call the school to inquire about potential selection.

When will my child get called from the waiting list?

If a space becomes available, calls to students on the waiting list may begin as early as April and continue through the fourth week of the fall semester. Students may also be called during the first two weeks of the spring semester.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Students who are currently enrolled in a magnet program do not have to reapply unless they want to change schools (this includes promotion to the next school level, such as elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school). If a student remains on a waiting list then the student should reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions | PWT Questions

What is the PWT program?

Permits With Transportation (PWT) is one of L.A. Unified's original integration programs and was established as a Court-Order to provide students with integrated school experiences within our district. PWT school assignments are made by the District to one of the following schools: Revere MS, Portola MS or Taft HS. The PWT program does not provide transportation to magnets or any other choices program.

What do I do first if I am interested in PWT?

First determine eligibilty: Students who are in grades 6-12 during the 2025-2026 school year and reside within the following L.A. Unified resident school boundary sending areas are eligible to apply for the PWT program:

Middle School Sending Areas:
Audubon, Drew, Gompers, Harte Prep, Mann, Muir and Obama Global

High School Sending Areas:
Crenshaw, Dorsey, Dymally, Hawkins, Jordan, Locke, Manual Arts and Washington Prep.

Can I choose the school I want for my child?

No, the District assigns a school to you. The PWT schools are Revere MS, Portola MS and Taft HS.

Why does the District select the school?

Enrollment meetings are held annually to verify that space is available in schools. These meetings take place after the Choices deadline date. This makes it impossible to name PWT receiving schools before March of each year. In addition, Transportation patterns and bus stops have already been established; therefore, no new schools will be added. The current receiving schools are Paul Revere Charter MS, Portola MS and Taft HS.

Where will the student be picked-up?

Transportation routes have already been established for the PWT program. You will be notified about transportation by US mail the week before the new school year begins. For information about existing bus routes please call (213) 580-2950.

Do I need to reapply every year if the student does not get in?

New PWT applicants need to reapply on a yearly basis if the student does not get into PWT the first year. Once he/she is in PWT you do not need to reapply to continue to stay at the current PWT school.
Provided that space continues to be available, PWT students may continue from middle to high school. However, matriculating students need to submit an on-time application and respond by opting-in by the April deadline or they will default to their resident school program.

If I have two children, can they both attend a PWT receiving school?

Yes, if space is available and they reside in a PWT sending area and both applications are returned before the deadline date, both children could participate in the selection process. When space is available, the PWT program will assign siblings to the same school.

Do PWT receiving schools have waiting lists?

Yes, PWT receiving schools have waiting lists if more students apply than there is space available at the school.

Do I have to transfer my child if I don’t want to?

You do not have to transfer your child. You may decide that keeping him or her at their current school is the best choice.

What if my child is a special education student?

If your child is receiving special education services, they must be implemented per the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Division of Special Education will assist in making the PWT program assignment according to the child’s IEP and the District’s guidelines.

What kind of program will my child be enrolled in at the PWT school?

Your child may participate in all programs and activities available at the PWT school.

May I participate in the school/community activities at the PWT school?

Yes. Parents are encouraged to participate in advisory councils, school site councils, PTA, and other functions at the PWT school.

Do I still have to enroll my child at the PWT school when I receive my Confirmation Letter?

Yes. When you receive the Selection Letter, contact the PWT school to get information about the school’s enrollment procedures.

When will my child get called from the waiting list?

Calls to students on the waiting list may begin as early as April and continue through the fourth week of the fall semester. Students may also be called during the first two weeks of the spring semester.

Frequently Asked Questions | Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS)

What are Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS)?

Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) demonstration sites receive the SAS designation for their exemplary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) implementation. By providing high-quality differentiated instruction with an emphasis on depth, complexity, acceleration and novelty, SAS sites offer high-level academic opportunities that meet the unique educational needs of K–12 gifted learners identified in the Intellectual Ability, High Achievement Ability, Specific Academic Ability, Creative Ability and Leadership Ability categories or verified based on test scores or critical thinking and problem-solving skills. School choice is not the primary purpose of SAS, rather, the goal of SAS is to recognize and nurture model demonstration sites at resident schools to share innovative, equitable and effective GATE practices Districtwide. Resident schools must undergo a rigorous application process every five years to obtain/maintain SAS designation. SAS sites exemplify the District’s expectations for high-quality GATE implementation at all K-12 schools. SAS teachers and administrators are required to participate annually in professional development specifically tailored to address the unique academic and social-emotional needs of gifted/talented learners. Currently there are 150 SAS sites located throughout Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). (Independent charter schools, Magnet programs, and Dual Language Education programs are not eligible for the SAS designation.)

Who can apply to Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS)?

K-12 applicants must reside within the boundaries of the Los Angeles Unified School District and meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet one of three eligibility criteria:

Student is identified as gifted by LAUSD in: Intellectual Ability, High Achievement Ability, Specific Academic Ability, Creative Ability or Leadership Ability category OR
Student scored in the Standard Exceeded range on the 2024 Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) or received a national percentile score of 85 or above on a District-approved standardized norm-referenced test in both English Language Arts and Mathematics (most recent year only). See Verification of Eligibility form for details. OR
Student demonstrates the ability to meet ALL FOUR critical thinking and problem-solving skills (in primary language):
1. Explain meanings or relationships among facts, information, or concepts that demonstrate depth and complexity.
2. Formulate new ideas or solutions and elaborate on the information.
3. Use alternative methods in approaching new or unfamiliar mathematical problems.
4. Use extensive vocabulary easily and accurately to express creative ideas.

Pre-K and UTK SAS classes are not available. Detailed eligibility criteria for SAS, as well as the corresponding verification processes and forms, are outlined on the Choices website and in the Choices brochure.

What is the difference between Gifted Magnet and SAS?

The Magnet Program is a Court-Ordered voluntary integration program, coordinated by Student Integration Services, open to all LAUSD students. Some of the Magnet programs available are designated as Gifted or Highly Gifted. In order to apply to one of these programs through the Choices process, students must first meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Choices brochure. Schools for Advanced Studies, coordinated by Gifted/Talented Programs, Advanced Learning Options, are model GATE demonstration sites at resident schools. SAS is the GATE instructional program at designated resident schools. Students residing within the boundaries of a designated SAS school who meet the eligibility criteria must be placed in the site’s SAS gifted/talented program (unless a parent/guardian has opted out). Students residing within LAUSD boundaries - but outside the SAS site’s residential boundaries - may apply for participation through the Choices process. If spaces are available - after accommodating all students who meet eligibility criteria and who reside within the school’s residential boundaries - a selection process for qualifying SAS applicants will be conducted. In order to participate in SAS, students must first meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Choices brochure. Gifted Magnets, Highly Gifted Magnets and Schools for Advanced Studies cluster gifted/high ability students for instruction and provide differentiated instruction with an emphasis on depth, complexity, novelty and acceleration. The eligibility criteria to apply to Gifted Magnets and SAS are identical. To qualify to apply for a Highly Gifted Magnet, the applicant must meet the qualifying score on an Intellectual Ability assessment administered by an LAUSD designated GATE psychologist. Eligibility criteria for all programs, as well as the corresponding verification processes and forms, are outlined on the Choices website and in the Choices brochure.

How do I apply for an SAS site?

You may complete the application online at Apply.lausd.net or the Choices brochure contains the paper application and is available October 1, 2024. Applications are due November 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Verification forms, if applicable, are due December 6, 2024. Please note that if your school of residence has the SAS designation, you do not apply for SAS participation through the Choices process. Students residing within the boundaries of a designated SAS school who meet the eligibility criteria must be placed in the site’s SAS gifted/talented program (unless a parent/guardian has opted out). No formal application is required for a qualified student who resides within the school’s boundaries. Your child’s eligibility will be verified at the SAS site through District records and articulation with the sending school. If you have questions, contact the school directly. If the SAS site is an Affiliated Charter, Unique Education Pathway, or in a Zone of Choice (ZOC), see the corresponding FAQ for application information.

How is my child verified as eligible to apply to SAS?

For an applicant to be eligible for SAS, the student must be verified as meeting one of the criteria outlined in the Choices brochure (pages 7-8) by December 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

LAUSD Applicants (Currently Enrolled in an LAUSD School):

Although L.A. Unified applicants must meet the required program-specific criteria outlined in the Choices brochure, a Verification of Eligibility (SAS Kindergarten) form or Verification of Eligibility (Grades 1-12) form is NOT required for applicants (grades K-12) currently enrolled in an L.A. Unified school. Upon receipt of an application, the District will automatically determine eligibility through a District verification process in January.

Private School, Independent Charter and Non-LAUSD Applicants:

The parents/guardians of private school, independent charter and non-LAUSD students who are applying to Schools for Advanced Studies must follow the procedures outlined on the Choices website and in the Choices brochure and verify that the student’s current school of attendance has submitted the required verification form by December 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.:

Verification of Eligibility (SAS Kindergarten) (incoming kindergarten only) OR
Verification of Eligibility (Grades 1-12)

For an applicant, previously identified as gifted/highly gifted by an LAUSD designated GATE psychologist, who is currently attending a private school, independent charter, or non-LAUSD school, the parent/guardian must submit a Verification of Eligibility form to ensure that the applicant is included in the District database.

Verification of Eligibility forms are available to download on the Choices website (select SAS and Who is Eligible?) or by emailing a request to giftedverification@lausd.net. The Verification of Eligibility form must be submitted in addition to a Choices application. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the completed Verification of Eligibility form is submitted by the school of attendance prior to the deadline.

What are the criteria for an incoming kindergarten student applying to an SAS site?

All kindergarten SAS applicants must be verified by the administrator of the preschool or the universal transitional kindergarten (UTK) program as meeting the third eligibility criterion (i.e., critical thinking and problem-solving skills), as well as the SAS kindergarten-specific criteria listed on the Verification of Eligibility (SAS Kindergarten) form. For kindergarten applicants who are not enrolled in preschool or UTK, please contact Gifted/Talented Programs at (213) 241-4177 or GATE@lausd.net for information regarding verification procedures. You may also visit the Gifted/Talented Programs website at https://www.lausd.org/gate (select Program Options and SAS).

**What are the SAS kindergarten-specific criteria listed on the Verification of Eligibility (SAS Kindergarten) form?**

In addition to meeting the critical thinking and problem-solving skills criteria, an incoming kindergarten student must demonstrate at least ten of the twenty SAS kindergarten-specific criteria.

Can work independently with evidence of goal-directed behavior
Uses descriptive words in sentences and uses language to express emotions, ideas, and opinions (in primary language)
Can tell or retell a story with detailed description and expression (in primary language)
Can recognize and repeat complex patterning sequences and create own patterns
Can follow multi-step directions with little guidance or redirection
Identifies the letters A to Z, knows the sounds of all of the letters of the alphabet, and can write many of the letters
Able to orally count to 100, visually identify numbers from 1 to 100, and write numbers 1 to 25
Demonstrates innate or accelerated understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Able to remember information and experiences (e.g., can recite song lyrics, recall facts, etc.) and make connections
Able to recognize sight words and read with fluency and comprehension
Demonstrates strong concern for others and their feelings; strong sense of justice
Initiates play sessions, coordinates and integrates multiple complementary roles, and considers the actions of others
Uses unconventional objects in play activities
Interacts easily with peers; frequently sought out by peers for companionship, ideas, and decisions
Demonstrates mature sense of humor; responds to and creates riddles and verbal associations
Demonstrates evidence of reasoning, logical thinking, creativity, and spontaneous incorporation of academic activities into free play
Expresses ideas, seeks information through questioning, and enjoys interacting verbally with adults and older children
Demonstrates advanced task commitment and energy when learning
Able to remember complex information and decode symbolic systems (e.g., maps, codes, etc.)
Demonstrates curiosity; displays unexpected depth of knowledge in one or more areas

What should I do if my kindergarten applicant did not participate in preschool or UTK or is homeschooled?

Please contact Gifted/Talented Programs at GATE@lausd.net or (213) 241-4177 for information regarding alternative verification procedures for applicants not enrolled in school. Information will also be available on the Gifted/Talented Programs website at https://www.lausd.org/gate (select Program Options and SAS).

Can I apply to more than one SAS site?

Students may apply for up to three SAS sites during the on-time application process. If the applicant is selected to their first choice, choice two and three are not considered. If the applicant is selected into any program of their choice, the student will not be placed on any waiting list. If there is no space available in any of their choices, the student will be placed on the waiting list for their first choice only.

May I fax my application?

No. All applications are to be sent via U. S. mail or submitted online. Online submission is encouraged, if applicable, since online applicants will receive confirmation and notification letters via email. LAUSD cannot be held responsible for lost applications or verification forms.

What happens if I miss the on-time application deadline?

Parents/guardians may submit late applications beginning February 3, 2025. Late applicants will be placed on the school’s waiting list after on-time applicants. If space becomes available, the school will contact you directly. The late application does not guarantee placement at the school site. The late Verification of Eligibility form, if applicable, should be submitted directly to the SAS site if/when the parent/guardian is contacted about an available seat. (Do not submit Verification of Eligibility forms for late applicants to Unified Enrollment.)

How are students accepted into SAS?

Once eligibility is verified, applicants are randomly selected through a fair and unbiased process to attend SAS sites. The number of students selected is based on the number of available spaces at a particular school (students who reside within the school’s boundaries MUST be accommodated first). The number of available seats varies by school and grade level. Some SAS designated sites are able to accommodate all applicants, while others have limited space available for students who reside outside the school’s residential boundaries.

If spaces are available – after accommodating all students who meet eligibility criteria and who reside within the school’s boundaries – a selection process for qualifying SAS applicants will be conducted in this order:
1) Siblings residing within LAUSD boundaries (must meet SAS eligibility criteria)
2) Students residing within LAUSD boundaries (must meet SAS eligibility criteria)

There is no priority point accrual process for Schools for Advanced Studies.

To ensure equity and access, each of the three SAS eligibility criteria carries equal weight in the selection process. Therefore, priority placement is not given to students identified as gifted/highly gifted or those who meet test score criteria.

Are students selected on a first-come first-served basis?

No. The selection process is random and occurs after the on-time application deadline. All eligible applicants are included in the selection process.

Is there guaranteed selection if I apply?

No. Applicants are not guaranteed selection.

How do I know if my child was selected or not?

In December, you will receive a letter confirming receipt of your child’s application indicating any corrections, if applicable. In February, you will receive a letter that provides information about your child’s eligibility for the selected program(s). If eligible, in March, you will be notified by online parent account or U.S. mail as to whether your child was selected or placed on the waiting list.

What is my child's status on the waiting list?

Your child’s status will depend on the number of openings at the school of choice as well as the number of applicants. You may contact the school to inquire about estimated capacity.

When will my child get called from the waiting list?

Applicants on the waiting list may be contacted beginning as early as April until the fourth week of the fall semester. Applicants may also be contacted during the first two weeks of the spring semester.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Students who are currently enrolled in an SAS site do not have to reapply unless they want to change schools (this includes promotion to the next school level, such as elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school). If a student remains on a waiting list, then the student should reapply.

If a resident student is participating in SAS but moves outside of the school’s residential boundaries, this student would need to apply through the Choices process for continued participation (space is not guaranteed). If a student moves outside of LAUSD boundaries, this student is no longer eligible to apply for SAS.

What if my resident school has the SAS designation?

Students residing within the boundaries of a designated SAS school who meet the eligibility criteria must be placed in the site’s SAS gifted/talented program (unless a parent/guardian has opted out). All qualified students who reside within the school’s boundaries must be accommodated before any SAS applicants are enrolled. No formal application is required for a qualified student who resides within the school’s boundaries since SAS is the school site’s GATE instructional program for its students. Student eligibility will be verified at the SAS site through District records and articulation with the sending school. If you have questions, contact the school directly.

What if the SAS site is an Affiliated Charter School?

Student selection, enrollment and placement in the SAS gifted/talented program at Affiliated Charter Schools must be conducted in accordance with the State and District legal requirements established for charter schools. If a student is selected for an SAS site through the Affiliated Charter process and meets one of the SAS eligibility criteria, this student must be accommodated in the site’s SAS gifted/talented program. For Affiliated Charter SAS enrollment procedures, please refer to the Affiliated Charter Schools section of the Choices website or the Choices brochure.

What if the SAS site is in a Zone of Choice (ZOC)?

If a parent/guardian would like their child to attend a Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) site within their Zone of Choice (ZOC), the 5^th, 6^th or 8^th grade student must select that site during the ZOC selection process. If a student is assigned to a designated SAS site through this ZOC process and meets one of the SAS eligibility criteria, this student must be accommodated in the site’s SAS gifted/talented program.

For information about Zones of Choice, contact the ZOC office at (213) 241-0466 or at https://www.lausd.org/zoc.

What if the SAS site is a Unique Education Pathway (UEP) School?

One SAS designated site, Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, is an UEP. As such, student selection, enrollment and placement will be conducted in accordance with District UEP policy. Refer to the UEP section of the Choices website or the Choices brochure or call the school directly.