Students in the Washoe County School District (WCSD) can now apply for their school of choice for the 2025-26 academic year. The application period, which allows families to choose a school other than their designated zoned school, is open from Oct. 1 through Oct. 24.
A second application window will open in spring 2025, but WCSD encourages families to apply this fall to have the best chance of securing their top school choice.
“We want our students and families to have the opportunity to make their own choices among schools that may be outside their zoned school, and the School of Choice program makes that possible,” said Desiree Mandeville, WCSD’s director of student accounting. “We believe students will be the most successful in the school where they feel connected, seen and engaged with an academic program that best suits their needs.”
Families applying for the School of Choice program can select up to three schools, listed in order of preference. Most WCSD schools are accepting applications, but a school’s available capacity, projected enrollment and staffing levels are all considered in determining whether a school can accept students from outside its zone.
Once a student’s application is approved and accepted, they will be assigned to that school through the available grade levels. However, families with students in fifth or eighth grade must reapply for the School of Choice program for the upcoming year; otherwise, the student will be assigned to their zoned school for middle or high school.
“Whenever possible, we will work with our families to provide as many options as we can for students who want to attend schools other than their zoned schools,” Mandeville added. “As a district, we have pledged to ‘know every student by name, strength and need so 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.”
Not all WCSD schools are available for the School of Choice program, particularly those offering specialized programming. Families seeking specialized programs, such as Gifted and Talented, Dual Immersion, Special Education, or Career & Technical Education, must obtain approval from the program administrator to determine school location options. This approval process is integrated into the intake process, meaning no additional requests or emails are required.
Transportation will not be provided for students approved through the School of Choice program. This includes students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that typically includes transportation as a related service.
For athletics, WCSD follows Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) rules. Freshman and sophomore students granted a School of Choice placement are eligible to participate only at the sub-varsity level. Juniors, seniors and any freshman or sophomore participating at the varsity level will be ineligible for 180 school days if placed through the program. Students who return to their zoned school during the academic year also lose their athletic eligibility for the remainder of that year, including 180 days for any sport in which they previously appeared on an NIAA roster.
Families can check the status of their School of Choice application by logging into their Avela account, which will be the primary communication channel for updates. For more information and to access the application, visit washoeschools.net/schoolofchoice.
SOURCE: WCSD
