Special Assignment Requests (SARs)

  • Special Assignment Requests (SARs) allow families to apply for their child to attend a school other than their zoned (neighborhood) school.

    Important Notes:

    • SARs cannot be submitted for District Application Programs or Educational Alternative Services. These have separate application processes.

    • All SARs are granted based on available space using functional capacity.  May 15, 2025 Functional Capacity 

    • Kindergarten SARs are processed last, as most families enroll in the summer. This helps us better assess available space.

     Transportation

    Bus transportation is not provided for students on a Special Assignment. Families must arrange safe, on-time transportation.

    Duration

    If granted, a SAR is valid through the school’s highest grade level, as long as:

    • The school has capacity.

    • All zoned students can still attend.

     Communication

    • Families granted a SAR will be notified by email (based on the email listed in the application).

    • Families not granted a SAR are automatically placed on a wait list.

    • You will be contacted only if a seat becomes available. 

     

    2025 SAR Application Periods

    Grades 1–12

    • Initial SAR Window: Feb. 4 – 14, 2025

    • Late SAR Window: Apr. 2 – 18, 2025

    • Ongoing Late SAR: Reopens May 12, 2025

     

    Kindergarten

    • Initial SAR Window: Mar. 3 – 14, 2025

    • Late SAR Window: Apr. 2 – 18, 2025

    • Ongoing Late SAR: Reopens May 12, 2025

     

    Enrollment Requirements

    To apply for a SAR:

    1. Your child must be enrolled for the 2025–26 school year.
      Enrollment opens Feb. 3, 2025. 

    2. Complete the reservation process in Focus SIS, then bring the required documentation to your assigned school to finalize enrollment.


    How to Apply

    1. Log in to the Focus Parent Portal

    2. In the left menu, click Student Reservation System

    3. Select "Current" Student (even if you are just enrolled for next year).

    4. Select Special Assignment Request (SAR) to apply

    If requests exceed available seats, a wait list will be created in the order applications are received.

     

    For more information, see our Student Assignment Policy.