One Application One Choice Enrollment Application will be accepted for each scholar.  When multiple Choice Enrollment Applications are submitted for the same scholar, the Choice Enrollment Application bearing the most current date and time will be the application entered into record.

Transportation Parents/guardians with students enrolled in the Choice program are responsible for transportation to a school outside of the resident service area. 

Enrollment While Waiting for AcceptanceScholars are expected to be enrolled and attending their current or resident area school while waiting for space to become available for choice enrollment at their requested school.  If or when space becomes available at the requested school, the scholar's enrollment and records will be transferred to the "choice" school upon the parent signing the acceptance letter and contacting the new school.  The office of the "choice" school will notify the parent of their scholar's start date at their school.

Duration of AcceptanceResident scholars accepted on Choice enrollment will be accepted for the K-12 Continuum. Non-residents are accepted for the grade span of the “choice” school (except Nautilus 6-8 and Woodmont 6-8), contingent upon receipt of Choice Transfer Request from resident district prior to the beginning of each school year.

Educational Programs (e.g. Cambridge and International Baccalaureate): Acceptance into educational programs does not guarantee placement at the schools where these programs are offered.

Revocation of Choice Placement by DistrictChoice placement may be revoked by the district for excessive tardiness or absences greater than 10 days, increased enrollment at Choice school causing overcrowding in school, grade, or program. Disciplinary record indicates a history of violent or disruptive behavior (non-resident scholars only). 

Revocation of Choice Placement by Parent/Guardian
Should a student desire to return to the school in their assigned attendance area after accepting a Choice placement, the parent/guardian must submit the request in writing to the Business Office.

Athletic Eligibility (High School Only): Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) athletic eligibility requirements are applicable to all scholar transfers. Approval of Choice Transfer does not guaratee athletic eligibility. Please consult with the building athletic director on all WIAA transfer rules.

General Priorities

• Permanent Employee Priority
  • Scholars of permanent employees will have priority placement, pending space availability.
  • Please Note: For schools without feeder patterns, employees must be a permanent employee of that school (i.e. Federal Way Public Academy).
    
• Sibling Priority
  • Scholars whose siblings are currently enrolled at the requested School and has a confirmed placement at the Choice school for the requested school year, pending space availability.
    
• Resident Priority
  
  • Scholars who live within the boundaries of Federal Way Public Schools

How does Choice Enrollment Work?

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) scholars are assigned to a designated school based on their home address. Scholars are guaranteed placement (or a spot) to their designated school. Scholars have the option to apply for placement to a different school through Choice. Assignment to the school of their choice is not guaranteed and is based on space availability.

Resident scholars, or those living within our district boundaries, and permanent district employees shall have priority over non-resident scholars, or those living outside of district boundaries.

To determine which school boundary you reside in, click here:

http://www5.kingcounty.gov/FWSD/schoollookup.htm.

What Does "Space Available" Mean?

The number of “choice enrollment” openings available for the upcoming year is determined by the Chief Financial Officer/Designee, using a variety of resources. It is possible that some schools will have NO immediate openings designated for Choice Enrollment.

All Choice placement is contingent upon space availability.

How are Choice Applications Processed?

Pre-Lottery

All applications received by the lottery deadline are entered into a central database, which will randomly generate the acceptance of applications for any available spaces, and then generate waitlist positions for the remaining applications.

The lottery to determine placement status of each applicant is open to the public and held at the Educational Service Center. Attendance at the lottery is not required. Notification will be provided to all participants by March 18th.

 

Post-Lottery

All applications received during the post-lottery open enrollment will be placed on the requested school’s waitlist in the order received based on the District’s established priorities. Final placement determination will be mailed to all applicants by the 15th school day.

Scholars not placed in their requested school must remain at their present resident school.