How does admission/enrollment to charter schools work?
Though the wording is slightly different, the general state and federal provisions are essentially the same in regard to admission of students. Per state law, a charter school is a public school that: No pupil is required to attend; Admits all pupils who wish to attend and who are residents of California, regardless of their place of residence; Determines admission by a public random drawing if the number of pupils who wish to attend exceeds the school’s capacity. Per federal law, a charter school is a public school that: Parents choose; Admits students on the basis of a lottery, if more students apply for admission than can be accommodated; Operates in accordance with State law. If a charter school has more students who wish to attend than it has space available, a public random drawing/lottery must be held to determine admission. However, there are exemptions (sometimes referred to exceptions or preferences.) A student who is “exempt” is admitted without participation in the lottery.
