The Washoe County School District has opened its 'school of choice' application period for students and families.

Now through March 14 at 5 p.m., families may apply for the opportunity to have their student(s) attend a different school than their zoned school during the 2025-26 school year.

“We believe it is important for our students and families to make their own choices among schools that may be outside their zoned school, and we are pleased to offer the School of Choice program to make that possible,” said Desiree Mandeville, director of Student Enrollment and Records for WCSD.

“It is crucial that students feel connected and engaged with their schools, and this is just one way we can help them find an academic program that is the best fit for them. We will be working hard in the coming weeks to approve as many of these requests as possible and look forward to working in partnership with our families in the coming year.”

Families may select up to three school options in order of preference when applying for their school of choice. Most schools are accepting applications, but the district also considers a school’s available capacity and enrollment, projected future enrollment, current staffing vacancies, and current building utilization in determining whether schools may accept students from other zoned schools. 

For a list of schools, click on this line. 

Once the School of Choice application is approved and accepted by the parent/guardian, the student will be assigned to the approved school through the grade levels available at that school. However, if a student is already in fifth- or eighth grade—and is therefore preparing to change schools— families must submit a new School of Choice application for the coming year, or the student will be automatically assigned to attend their zoned school for their next grade level in middle school or high school.

“We are committed to working with our families to provide as many options as possible for students who want to attend schools for which they are not zoned,” said Mandeville. “WCSD pledges to ‘know every student by name, strength, and need so they graduate prepared for the future they choose.’ Having the ability to choose the school they attend is a critically important part of that promise to our families and our community.”

School transportation will not be provided for students approved through a School of Choice application. This includes students who are on an IEP or 504 Plan with transportation as a related service at their zoned or assigned school.

Under current NIAA rules, freshman and sophomore high school students who are granted a School of Choice placement shall be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities at the sub-varsity level only. Juniors, seniors, and any freshman or sophomore participating in varsity level athletics who are granted a School of Choice placement are ineligible for 180 school days. If a student returns to their zoned school during the school year, the student loses their athletic eligibility for the remainder of the current school year. This also includes 180 school days in any other sport where the student’s name appeared on a NIAA roster. The NIAA is reviewing their polices but no final decisions have been made. 

Parents/guardians may log into their Avela Account to see updates to their School of Choice application. All communication will occur through this site regarding applications. Assistance is available by emailing schoolofchoice@washoeschools.net or calling (775) 333-6099. 

(Washoe County School District contributed to this report.)