School Choice applications for 2020-2021 available on Sept. 27

First of five school choice fairs set for Sept. 28 at Sterling HS

Parents will have the ability to begin applying to School Choice Programs for the 2020-2021 school year on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. The district’s first school choice fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Sterling High School (11625 Martindale, 77048).

HISD offers a robust portfolio of magnet programs at 112 schools to best meet students’ academic needs and interests. The magnet programs within the district include:

>>Dates to remember

Sept. 27, 2019: Applications available at HISDChoice.com or in paper from your magnet program of choice, from the Office of School Choice, or to download here.

HISD School Tours on the following Thursdays. Arrive at 9 a.m. for elementary and K-8 schools, and at 1 p.m. for secondary schools: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21*; Dec. 5*

Tours for Program Choice Transfers are available by contacting the individual campus for availability.

*All schools will offer 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. tours on these two dates

Dec. 6, 2019:  Applications due for Phase I consideration (Qualified in-district applications will be entered into lotteries or be offered auditions).

>>3 steps to apply to a magnet program

Step 1: Weigh your options

Attend a school choice fair to learn more about the programs available across the district:

  • Sept. 28: 9 a.m. to noon at Sterling High School, 11625 Martindale, 77048
  • Oct. 12: 9 a.m. to noon at Washington High School, 119 E 39th, 77018
  • Nov. 2: 9 a.m. to noon at Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonnet, 77074
  • Nov. 16: 9 a.m. to noon at Milby High School,  1601 Broadway St, 77012
  • Feb. 15: 9 a.m. to noon at Northside High School, 1101 Quitman, 77009

Tour any HISD school on the following Magnet Thursdays. Arrive at 9 a.m. for elementary and K-8 schools, and at 1 p.m. for secondary schools: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; Nov. 7, 14, 21*; Dec. 5*

*All schools will offer 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. tours on these two dates

Tours for Program Choice Transfers are available by contacting the individual campus for availability. 

Visit https://www.houstonisd.org/schoolchoice or call 713-556-6947. If you are interested in a Vanguard (Gifted & Talented) magnet program, visit HoustonISD.org/GT or call Advanced Academics at 713-556-6954 to learn about testing qualifications/dates.

Step 2: Apply online or on paper

Families can choose up to 10 school programs, with a maximum of 5 magnet selections. Parents must rank them 1-10, with your top choice being ranked 1.

Note: If you apply to 5 Vanguard programs, and your student is not ultimately identified as Gifted and Talented, your student will not be considered for any of the Vanguard programs chosen.

  • Apply online at HISDChoice.com (If you have used the system before, please use your previous account) or fill out a paper application. (Pick up an application at the school of your choice, from the Office of School Choice, or download here.)
  • Be on the lookout for emails or phone calls related to your application. (Check your email’s spam folder and do not use a Hotmail account – the service often blocks emails from HISD.)
  • Submit your application by Dec. 6 to be considered in the first phase.

Step 3: Secure your seat

  • Notification of application status will be sent in early spring via e-mail and will become viewable within the online application system’s parent dashboard. In addition, one application status letter is sent via U.S. mail to the parents of all Phase I applicants.
  • If your student has been offered a seat, you have two weeks to respond to the offer, and make arrangements with the school to provide proof of residence and sign an entrance agreement. This will not affect your position on any waiting lists at higher ranked schools.