Chances of Enrollment for Charter School

Hello! I was hoping someone with experience with the lottery system for charter school enrollment could give me some insight.

There is a new charter school opening in the district where we live (Keller, TX) and I have registered my children for the 2014-2015 schoo year. I received an email this week stating that my children are on the waitlist for enrollment. My oldest will be in 4th grade and she is #167 on the waitlist while my youngest who will be entering kindergarten is #43.

What are the chances of them getting in with these numbers? If my youngest is accepted, would that automatically grant my oldest admission? If they are not granted admission for the beginning of the year, should a spot open up during the year could I/should I enroll then (supposing of course that her number was up for selection)??

We are new to this process and would just like some insight or advice.

Thanks!

I highly doubt that they will be accepted but who K knows and personally I wouldn't pull a child out mid year since different schools go off of different standards and schedules

It depends. How many spots are there in each class? In our charter school, there are 60 spots in the entering K class. There are about 25-30 kids from the preschool who get first dibs on those spots. Then there are siblings of kids who get the next set of spots. Then the kids who got picked in the first draw of the lottery, then the wait list. But if your school has an entering class of 120 and no feeder pre-school, your odds at #43 would be pretty darn good. I would check with the school on sibling preference. Also remember that spots will open up all summer long. Other families on the wait list will commit to their 2nd or 3rd choice schools and decline the waitlist offer. I would look into your other options, but keep the possibility of an opening in mind. Best of luck- this elementary school selection process is SO stressful!!

We were 32 and 150 on the Westlake academy wait list last year and didn't get in. I doubt you'll make it, but since this is a brand new school there is a good chance that people will change their minds and not register - so your k might have a chance. If I were you I would definitely enroll mid year if they make it, the school sounds fantastic (disclaimer: we got in). Even if you enroll mid year your k won't be too far behind in the bilingual portion and it puts your 4 at the top of the waitlilt.

I would think your kindergartner has a good chance but would not plan on the older one getting in. They are going to be going through many changes, trials and mistakes that first year. Perhaps she'll get in the next year and be it will be smoother sailing.

My older son got in to our local charter school, which automatically meant sister got in too. They give priority to siblings. Although, I am just talking about my school, yours may be different, but I can't imagine them not accepting a sibling once the other has got in. There are 24 in my daughters K class. There is only one class, it is a very small school. So if she had been #43 she would not have got in. If your school has two or more K classes, then she is getting in, and so is your oldest.

Each school district or charter school will decide their own rules about placement and waiting lists and sibling acceptance, so it would be hard to advice you. I would not give the kids false hopes that they will probably get in when that is beyond your control. Good luck, I hope this works out for your and your family.

AZneomom: Thank you for the insight. There are currently 144 seats per grade level and no feeder preschool to contend with so maybe we still have a chance!

MamaR: Congratulations!! That is so great that you got in! :slight_smile: