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If you are a family or student considering SPPS, or are looking to change schools in SPPS, the priority deadline for applications is Thursday, Feb. 28. Applications may be completed online at spps.org/apply.

Who Should Apply

An application is required if:

1. Your child is currently enrolled and requests a different school.
2. Your child is new to Saint Paul Public Schools.

Applications are typically not required for students who are:

• Continuing at their current SPPS school to the next grade level.
• Residents of Saint Paul currently enrolled in SPPS and who are entering kindergarten, grades 6 or 9 by following their school’s pathway.

Current students interested in selecting a different SPPS school will need to submit an application for consideration. For more information, view the 2019-20 School Selection Guide. 

How to Apply

1. Visit spps.org/apply and enter your home address in School Finder to confirm your Area and Community School Zone, then review your school choice options. Families are also invited to attend a school open house. An open house is a perfect opportunity to learn more about schools that interest you. Meet staff, tour classrooms and discover the programs, activities and services available to your child. Winter open houses begin Jan. 10 and continue through February. Dates and times are subject to change. Link: View the full winter open house calendar
2. Apply online at spps.org/apply, complete the application in this guide or visit the Student Placement Center at 2102 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55114.
3. List up to two schools on your application. Your school choices are considered in the order you list them on the application. Your first choice will be considered and matched first, whenever possible. Students who are not accepted at one of their selected schools will be placed on the waitlist for the first choice only. We recommend listing your community elementary, middle or high school as one of your choices.
4. Apply by February 28, 2019 for the best opportunity to get into the school of your choice.
5. Families who apply by the priority deadline will be notified of acceptance to their school choice (or placed on a waiting list) in early April.

Waiting Lists

Waiting lists are created for schools and programs that receive more applications than they have room available. Students will only be added to a waiting list for their first choice school. If room becomes available, students will be admitted to their first-choice school. Waiting lists expire two weeks after the start of the school year for most schools and programs (does not include Pre-K programs, language immersion programs or Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented).

Please note: Students identified as gifted and talented are not guaranteed enrollment at Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented.

Important Terms

Pathways: Most schools and magnet programs have a pathway that provides a natural progression for education from kindergarten through high school. Pathways offer students the opportunity to grow and learn along with other students who live near them or who have the same interests.

Community School Zones: A Community School Zone is a geographic area around the school. Elementary students who live within a specific Community School Zone will be considered for priority admission to that community school.

Area: Areas (A-F1/F2) include six geographic borders across the district. Areas are used as attendance areas to help families find a school close to home.

Regional and District Magnet Schools: Magnet schools focus core subjects such as reading, math and science around specialized content areas. In most cases, these programs are available from kindergarten through grade 12. Examples of these specialized learning programs include language immersion, aerospace and the arts.