Start Here
How to apply for the 21-22 school year after May 2021 depends on whether you are applying for the first time, or whether you have already applied for 21-22 in the Main Round or in Round 2. Click the accordion below to see your options depending on your situation.
I’m a first-time applicant: How to apply
If this is the first time you are applying to SFUSD for School Year 2021-22, you have two options: Wait Pool and New-to-SF Enrollment.
Wait Pool is a request for one school. Wait Pool requests are granted from August 16 through September 3 if openings exist for the requested schools. Learn more about Wait Pool.
New-to-SF Enrollment is immediate enrollment into a school with openings and no Wait Pool requests. Enrollment is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more about New-to-SF Enrollment.
To explore schools for your child, use our School Finder tool.
I have already applied for School Year 2021-22: What’s next
Families who applied for Round 2 will receive their school assignments the week of June 7. You have until June 18 to accept or decline your assignment -- learn how.
If you applied in either Main Round or Round 2 and you want to try for a different school, you have two options: Wait Pool and Open Enrollment.
Wait Pool is a request for one school. Wait Pool requests are granted from August 16 through September 3 if openings exist for the requested schools. Learn more about Wait Pool.
Open Enrollment is immediate enrollment into a school with openings and no Wait Pool requests. Enrollment is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more about Open Enrollment.
More Information
Applying by Grade Level
All TK-12 schools use the same application form and process (other than Ruth Asawa School of the Arts). For more information on applying to TK, elementary, middle and high school, see the How to Apply page and scroll down to "Information by Grade Level".
Apply by PDF/Paper
If you do not have a ParentVUE account to access the Online Application, or are having trouble using ParentVUE, please apply by PDF/paper.
To apply by PDF/paper, please download the application and then follow the instructions to mail, email, text, or drop off your application. See how to submit paper applications.
Help with Online Application
Our team is here to help you if you are having trouble accessing or completing the Online Application. We can support you over the phone or help you to get a PDF/paper application.
To speak with a staff member, please call 415-241-6085.
Resources
Main Round: Deadline February 5, 2021
The Main Round is the first round to submit your application for SFUSD schools. Families who apply in the Main Round are more likely to get a school of their choice.
- Deadline to Submit: February 5, 2021
- Notifications: Week of March 22, 2021
- Deadline to Accept or Decline: April 9, 2021
Schools assignments will be determined using SFUSD's student assignment system, NOT a first-come/first-placed system.
See below for a video on How Student Assignment Works.
Visit the Key Dates page for other deadlines.
Round 2: Deadline May 7, 2021
Round 2 is the next opportunity to submit your application for SFUSD schools after the Main Round. The process is similar to the Main Round, but there are fewer open seats.
- Deadline to Submit: May 7, 2021
- Notifications: Week of June 7, 2021
- Deadline to Accept or Decline: June 18, 2021
Schools assignments will be determined using SFUSD's student assignment system, NOT a first-come/first-placed system. See below for a video on How Student Assignment Works.
Visit the Key Dates page for other deadlines.
Required Documents
To apply for school, certain documents are required with your application. Please see Required Documents for a list.
Language Assessments
Want to know more about the differences between dual language immersion and biliteracy? Are you looking for more resources for English learners?
Learn more about our Language Programs and Assessments.
VIDEO: How Student Assignment Works
Watch this short video on How Student Assignment Works in SFUSD
Medical or Family Hardship Appeal
The Medical and Family Hardship Appeals Committee is convened after each placement period and conducts a review of students who submit an appeal based on either medical or family hardship. If an appeal is approved, it is sent to the Educational Placement Center for assignment into a school that can meet the student’s needs and that has space available.
- Appeals are granted on the basis of the documentation provided to the Appeals Committee, which is convened only for the purpose of conducting reviews at specific times in the enrollment cycle.
- Appeals are considered only for cases where the students needs cannot be met at the assigned school.
- Approved appeals are granted for ONE SCHOOL ONLY that can meet the student’s needs and cannot be used for placement into multiple schools.
- Appeal forms can be obtained from the EPC or from the District’s website and returned at the appropriate deadline in order to be reviewed.
- You must submit a Round 2 application - listing the school you're appealing for - in addition to an appeal form.
See appeals forms for more information.
Cancel your enrollment application or decline your school assignment
If you need to cancel your application or decline your school assignment, please see Cancel Your Application.