News Summary
The San Diego Unified School District has opened its priority Choice enrollment window for families to apply for schools outside their neighborhood boundaries for the upcoming school year. The enrollment period remains open until November 3, allowing students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade to explore educational options. Specialized programs, such as STEM and arts, are available, and applications will be selected through an electronic lottery system. Informational workshops will be provided to assist families, as the district emphasizes educational choice and support for all students.
San Diego – The San Diego Unified School District has officially opened its priority Choice enrollment window for the 2026–27 school year, offering families the opportunity to apply for their children to attend schools outside their designated neighborhood boundaries. The application period will remain open until November 3, allowing families of students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade to participate in this program, which promotes educational choices and opportunities tailored to individual student needs.
Schools participating in the Choice program include a range of specialized programs such as STEM, world languages, International Baccalaureate (IB), and visual and performing arts, providing diverse options for families seeking specific educational pathways for their children.
Applying during this priority window significantly increases the chances of securing a spot at one of the preferred schools, as applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the district employs an electronic lottery system to determine admissions, which accounts for several priorities, including sibling enrollment, active military status, and continuity in educational programs.
Last year, roughly 80% of families who applied during the priority enrollment window secured their top three school choices. Families can expect to be notified of their application results by mid-February 2026, providing ample time for planning and coordination with district programs, such as PrimeTime for before- and after-school care.
In response to this enrollment initiative, two informational workshops will be held via Zoom to assist families with the application process. The first workshop is scheduled for Monday, October 6, at 5:30 p.m., and the second will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 10 a.m. Families can access these workshops through the Zoom link provided on the district’s website.
The San Diego Unified School District also offers a Choice informational video online and provides multilingual services through the Family Welcome and Enrollment Center, which can be reached at (619) 260-2410.
In addition to the enrollment program opening, there have been community concerns regarding a school rerouting situation involving Bethune K-8 School. Reports indicate that students may need to transfer to Bell Middle School, raising unrest among parents and prompting calls for community meetings to address these issues.
Superintendent Fabiola Bagula has acknowledged these community concerns, particularly in relation to low performance and graduation rates. Plans are in motion to discuss findings and potential offerings at middle schools to better serve students and families in the district.
This year’s Choice enrollment program highlights the district’s commitment to providing families with options that reflect their children’s unique strengths and aspirations. The structured timeline for decisions not only aims to streamline the application process but also seeks to ensure families have support and resources available as they navigate their educational choices.
In summary, the San Diego Unified School District’s priority Choice enrollment window for the 2026–27 school year is a critical initiative for families looking for educational alternatives. With a focus on specialized programs and supportive services, the district aims to empower families and enhance student success through thoughtful, community-oriented planning.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Improvements in Student Performance at San Diego Community Schools
San Diego Hosts 22nd Annual Restaurant Week
Top-Ranked Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Metro Area Revealed
Top Private High Schools in San Diego for 2024
Top Colleges in the US for Surfing Enthusiasts
Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Families Can Now Apply to Enroll in Other Schools
- Wikipedia: School Choice
- Times of San Diego: Priority Choice Enrollment Window Opened
- Google Search: San Diego Unified School District
- 10 News: Student Found with Loaded Handgun
- Google Scholar: Educational Choices in San Diego
- NBC San Diego: Families Fight for Grades at Bethune
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Special Education
- Fox 5 San Diego: Student Detained for Loaded Handgun
- Google News: San Diego Education
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
