Washoe County School District opens 'school of choice' applications for 2025-26
WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Students in the Washoe County School District (WCSD) now have the opportunity to apply for their “school of choice” for the 2025-26 school year. The application period to submit applications to attend a different school than their zoned school will be open from Oct. 1 through Oct. 24.
There will be another window of opportunity to apply in Spring 2025, but officials say families who are considering applying for their school of choice are encouraged to apply during the fall application period for the best chance of being selected for their first choice.
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.
Once the School of Choice application is approved and accepted by the parent or 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, 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 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,” Desiree Mandeville, director of Student Accounting for WCSD, said in a statement. “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. As educators, we are proud to offer this option to our families and students and look forward to working in partnership with them in the coming year.”
Some WCSD schools with special programming are not available for a School of Choice placement. And because not all schools have specialized programs (including Gifted and Talented, Dual Immersion, Special Education, and Career & Technical Education), families seeking a School of Choice application for a specialized program must get approval from the administrator of the special program to determine school location options based on program availability/capacity. Families do not need to complete a separate request or email. This information will be part of the intake process.
In addition, 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 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 an NIAA roster.
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.
Further information and the link to submit a School of Choice application is available here.