Application Process

The Magnet application is now part of one Enrollment Options School Choice Application. Complete only one application for each student, listing all schools to which you are applying. This may include Magnet schools, as well as VEEP, Open Enrollment and PISC.

Choose up to five schools: The School Choice application allows you to prioritize three (3) schools you are applying to and you may list two (2) additional schools in priority order for consideration in the event that #1-3 are not available. There will be only one offer of enrollment per student based on designated priority. Submit application between November 1 through February 15. Applications for current SDUSD students will not be accepted after February 15. Please read more about each of the Magnet schools before completing your application.

A student enrolled in a specific theme magnet program will not be allowed to make a parallel transfer to another magnet program of the same theme emphasis at the same level (elementary school to elementary school, middle school to middle school, senior high to senior high).

Carefully read the Parent/Guardian statement before signing and dating the application.

• Request an initialed, date-and time-stamped copy of your application when you submit it in person. If you mail your application directly to Enrollment Options, you may enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a copy of the application will be mailed to you.
• You may submit your application (request a signed copy) at any school in the San Diego Unified School District or at the Office of Enrollment Options, 4100 Normal Street, Annex 7-B, San Diego, CA 92103-2682.

PROGRAM POLICIES

• TRANSFERS – Students must remain in the assigned school of choice through the end of each school year. Students wishing to leave this school and return to the resident school must file an “Enrollment Options Transfer Request” form by the last working day before school starts in the fall or they may be required to complete the school year in the school in which they are enrolled. Students who transfer from the school and then wish to return are subject to all eligibility and enrollment criteria.
• APPLICATION PERIOD – Applications must be received between November 1 and February 15 for current SDUSD students. Magnet applications will be sorted by geographic high school cluster of residence. Applications for each program are placed on grade level wait lists in accordance with the following factors:
  • Ranked with lowest achieving and from low income families receiving highest priority (PISC)
  • Criteria for priority, as listed and verified on the application
  • Applications received between November 1-February 15 will be ranked by a random, computer-generated number for each school selected (Magnet, VEEP, Open Enrollment).
• NEW APPLICANTS or CURRENT SDUSD FAMILIES WITH CHANGE OF ADDRESS (after February 15) – Applications will be accepted after February 15 for either students “new” to SDUSD (not enrolled) or current SDUSD families who have a verified change of residence address that changes priority (proof of new residence will be required). Applications received after February 15 will be prioritized for placement by date and time received.
• APPLICATION ENROLLMENT PERIOD – Enrollment Options will begin notifying parents of school placement between March 16 - May 15.
• CONTINUITY
  • Magnet students who have made a commitment to a specific theme are given first priority to continue in that theme when the students change levels (elementary to middle to senior high). An application must be completed between levels.
  • Interdistrict Attendance Permit students do not receive continuity.
• INTERDISTRICT (does not apply to VEEP or PISC) – Students moving outside of the San Diego Unified School District must reapply and submit an approved Interdistrict Attendance Permit to continue. Enrollment will be subject to all eligibility and enrollment criteria.
• TRANSPORTATION – Transportation is provided, within guidelines, for Magnet, VEEP, and PISC students when at least 8 students can be scheduled on a bus. A nonresident elementary student receiving childcare may use the child-care address for transportation purposes. To be eligible for transportation as a VEEP or PISC student, students may only apply to schools within the exchange pattern for their elementary school of residence. No student transportation is provided for the Open Enrollment program.