FAQs for New to WPS

We offer several ways to attend a school in our district, even if you live outside our boundaries. Apply for the Magnet school lottery in January (middle and high school) or February (elementary school); apply for an advanced high school program in January (IB, Early College, BioMed); or apply through the Open Enrollment Lottery in June. Our Choice and Opportunity page explains the options in detail for families both within and outside the boundaries.

Wichita Public Schools offers four types of schools for families in our district. Families new to WPS should always check with their neighborhood school first, and the staff there will help identify the best next steps. The exception is families that speak a primary language other than English in the home. Those families should start at the Multilingual Education Services office website.

• Neighborhood school: These schools are based on geographic boundaries. We have 38 neighborhood elementary schools, 1 K-8 school, 11 middle schools and 7 high schools. 
• Magnet school: These schools have a specific theme and are associated with Magnet Schools of America. They can be either neighborhood magnet or pure magnet schools (which are defined in another FAQ). We have 17 elementary magnets, 2 K-8 magnets, 4 middle magnets and 1 high school magnet. 
• Alternative school: These schools offer special programs or services for students who may not thrive in traditional learning environments. Some have an application process, while others are made available to students based on Individual Education Plans. 
• Special assignment: Some students will need to participate in programs that are offered only at certain locations. Special assignments may be made based on competitive programs (International Baccalaureate, Early College Academy, AVID), special needs or the recommendation by a child study team. 

Families new to WPS will always want to start with an enrollment conversation with the student's potential base school (or neighborhood school). The exception is families that speak a primary language other than English in the home. Those families should start at the Multilingual Education Services office website.

To find what school that is, follow the steps below:

1. Go to SchoolFinder.
2. Enter your address (use the simplest possible version of your address).
3. Select the grade level for your student.
4. Note the name of the school that returns as your base school.
5. Click on the Schools heading, and find your base school for more information. 

Alternatively, you can call Student Records and Enrollment Services at 316-973-4498 to speak with a person who can help you find the right school.