WCSD opens applications for School of Choice options

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Washoe County School District has opened School of Choice applications to students and families.

Students now have the opportunity to apply for the 2025-2026 school year. The application deadline for attending a school other than the one in the zone runs from today, October 1st, to October 24th.

The district says another application window will open in spring 2025, but says the fall application deadline offers the best chance of being selected for the first choice.

“We want our students and families to have the opportunity to make their own choice among schools that may be outside of their zone zone, and the School of Choice program makes that possible,” said Desiree Mandeville, director of student accounting for WCSD. “We believe students will be most successful at the school when they feel connected, seen and engaged in an academic program that best meets their needs. As educators, we are proud to offer this opportunity to our families and students and look forward to working with them in the coming year.”

Families can select up to three school options in order of preference when applying. Most schools accept applications, but the district also considers a school’s available capacity and enrollment, projected future enrollment and other factors to determine which schools can accept students from other schools in the zone.

Once approved by the parent or guardian, the student will be assigned to the approved school based on the grade levels available there. The WCSD says that if a student is already in fifth or eighth grade, families must submit a new School of Choice application for the coming year, otherwise the student will automatically be assigned to attend their zoning school for the next assigned grade level.

“Whenever possible, we will work with our families to provide as many options as possible for students who wish to attend schools other than their zone schools,” Mandeville said. “As a district, we are committed to ‘knowing every student by name, strength and need so that they graduate prepared for the future they choose,’ and the School of Choice program is an important part of that promise to our families and our community.”

Certain WCSD schools with specific programs are not available for a School of Choice internship. This includes students with an IEP or a 504 plan with transportation as an associated service at their zoned or assigned school.

First-year and second-year students who are granted a School of Choice place are only eligible to participate in co-curricular activities at the sub-university level.

Parents and guardians can log in to their Avela account to view updates to their application.

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