Opportunities for Out-of-District
Thank you for exploring opportunities to Choose Wichita Schools. At Wichita Public Schools, we understand there are many options for your child's education. Through our Every Student Future Ready strategic plan, we are working to prepare all students to achieve readiness for life, college and career through an innovative and impactful educational experience.
We welcome all students and families in the Wichita area to explore the choices and opportunities available to thrive in Wichita Public Schools. On this page, you will find information about the ways to apply to or enroll in a Wichita school if you live outside the district's geographic boundaries.
- Magnet Schools
- Secondary School Special Programs
- Open Enrollment Lottery
- Innovation Schools
- AVID Electives
Magnet Schools
Notes for Out-of-District Enrollment
Anyone can apply to a WPS magnet school, including from outside WPS district boundaries. Priority in the lottery process will be given to in-district students.
What are magnet schools?
For students with specific interests or talents, magnet schools may be a good fit. We offer 16 elementary, 2 K-8, 4 middle, and 1 high school magnet options.
Magnet schools each have a theme through which all curriculum is taught. The major themes include Leadership, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Fine Arts, Traditional, and Communications. Some schools combine two complimentary themes such as STEM and the Arts.
Considerations
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Transportation is not provided to out of district students.
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Siblings of students already at the school receive priority placement at the same school.
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Once accepted, you do not need to re-apply.
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Northeast Magnet does not have sports teams – out-of-district student athletes are able to compete at the WPS high school closest to their home address.
Apply to Magnet
Complete the magnet application by the deadline (typically late January for middle and high schools, mid-February for elementary schools). Students are selected for magnet spots via a random lottery.
Secondary School Special Programs
Notes for Out-of-District Enrollment
Anyone can apply to a WPS secondary school special program school, including from outside WPS district boundaries. Priority in the application process will be given to in-district students.
What are secondary school special programs?
The Robinson Pre-IB Program is a rigorous academic program of study that emphasizes the relationship of the student with the community and the world. It is designed for intrinsically motivated students who prefer a more demanding curriculum including foreign language, in-depth research, and advanced math, science, social studies, and language arts.
The International Baccalaureate diploma or certificate program, hosted by East High School, is a comprehensive and rigorous college-prep program designed to meet the needs of academically talented and highly motivated students.
Early College Academy (ECA), hosted by Northwest High, is a program intentionally designed to promote access and opportunity for more students to obtain a college degree. In partnership with Friends University, ECA allows students to take more classes for college credit earlier in high school.
BioMed at North High School is a four-year advanced level science program that prepares students for the rigors of college and in science and health related careers.
Considerations
- Transportation is not provided.
- Robinson, East, North and Northwest become the students’ base schools for purposes of athletic and extracurricular participation.
- EIA does not have sports teams.
How to Apply
Robinson Middle School Pre-IB process starts in fall of 5th grade and includes completing an application and student evaluation, taking a placement test, and having a teacher complete an evaluation.
International Baccalaureate (IB) process starts in fall of 8th grade and includes completing an application, taking a placement test, and providing two teacher letters of recommendation.
Early College Academy (ECA) process starts in fall of 8th grade and includes completing an application and writing two essays.
BioMed process starts in the fall and includes an application, recommendation letters and an interview.
Open Enrollment Lottery
Notes for Out-of-District Enrollment
All districts in Kansas provide this option starting with the 2024-25 school year.
What is the Open (Out-of-District) Enrollment Lottery?
The Open Enrollment Lottery provides a final opportunity for students from outside the WPS district boundaries to attend a WPS school. On or before January 1 each year, the district will list the number of spots open at each school for the upcoming academic year. The number of openings per school will vary based on student-staff ratio, expected neighborhood or magnet student enrollment, and capacity of the building.
Considerations
- Transportation is not provided.
- Participation in athletics and extra curriculars is not impacted.
- Students with behavior or academic challenges may be asked to return to their base school the next year.
- Keeping siblings together is prioritized.
How to Apply
Applications will be available on the district’s website starting January 1. Families must apply by June 15, and accepted students will be notified by July 30 for the school year beginning in August.
Explore all the opportunities available at WPS schools by visiting the Discover WPS page.
Innovation Schools
Notes for Out-of-District Enrollment
Anyone can apply to our innovation schools, including from outside WPS district boundaries.
What are innovation schools?
- Education Imagine Academy is a flexible virtual learning opportunity for grades K-12. As a Microsoft Showcase School, EIA personalizes learning for students while offering in-person connections and project-based learning as options.
- Creative Minds Academy is in its pilot year in 2024-25. Located at the Learning Lab at Union Station in downtown Wichita, this vertical school includes students in grades K-6 in one classroom. Check back in spring 2025 to find out whether the concept school will continue to enroll students in 2025-26.
Considerations
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Transportation is not provided to any students.
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Siblings of students already at the school receive priority placement.
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Once accepted, you do not need to re-apply.
How to Apply
Education Imagine: accepts students on an ongoing basis. Families complete an interest form, then meet with the principal to determine whether the student’s learning style and interests match with the program structure.
Creative Minds Academy: accepts students until it is full. Families complete an interest form, then meet with the lead teacher to determine whether the student’s learning style and interests match with the program structure.
AVID Electives
What is AVID?
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an academic program that prepares students for college and career by teaching them the skills and characteristics needed to be successful through rigorous content, leadership opportunities, and tutorials. In grades 6-12, AVID is an elective class that students apply for during the annual Choice Enrollment timeframe from October-January.
The AVID Elective - Grades 6-12
- For students who have the potential for honors, advanced, Pre-AP and AP work in school but need support paired with rigor.
- Rigor with support that includes each student's own individual determination and the support of teachers, other AVID students, family members, AVID teacher, and college tutors.
- Students maintaining a 2.0 GPA or higher throughout the school year.
AVID Excel Elective - Grades 7-8
- A cohort in which ESOL students participate in intensive academic language building throughout middle school to prepare for the high school AVID Elective.
- Seven consistent learning strands--reading, writing, oral language, academic vocabulary, study skills, and self-determination and leadership.
- Accelerated language acquisition, increased overall achievement and student access to rigorous coursework.
- Scholar groups with college tutors twice a week.
Considerations
- Students who currently live out of district boundaries may still apply for the program. They will have to apply for a special assignment if accepted.
- If accepted through this process, transportation will not be provided and students must maintain good attendance, behavior, and grades.
- Student athletes may have to sit out an entire calendar year (KSHSAA rule).
How to Apply
Students apply during the Choice Enrollment timeframe annually from October through January. More information on the process is available on the AVID website.