K-12 Eligibility Criteria & Priorities

High schools with Magnet, IB or CTE programming may include an entry requirement based on academic achievement from an accredited institution. A student's matrix score is calculated based on their grades on the final report card of the previous school year and test scores. Example: Student applying for 9th grade, will need to upload their 7th grade final report card. 

Matrix scores are also included for single-gender college preparatory programs at the middle school level. 

To view the 2025-2026 Academic Matrix rubric  Click here 

To view the 2026-2027 Academic Matrix rubric Click here

Secondary Fine Arts programs require students to audition or showcase their area of art. 

To learn about scheduling an audition for a Fine Arts program Click here 

Families applying for Kinder HSPVA will not schedule an audition via the School Choice application. For more information regarding Kinder HSPVA audition requirements and dates, Click here  

Students entering 3-12 grade are required to have Montessori experience to be considered eligible. 

Students are required to be identified as Gifted and Talented (G/T) in all assessment areas in order to be eligible for a magnet Vanguard transfer.  

*For Carnegie Vanguard high school only: In addition to G/T identification, students must have a magnet matrix of 80 or higher. 

For more information regarding Gifted and Talented, click here

Sibling priority is available to families applying for entering grade levels (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th) who already have a child enrolled at the requested campus and will be returning for the following school year.

• How to Apply: When completing the application, you must navigate to the sibling section and provide the current student's information.
• Requirement: This section on the application must be completed at the time of submission to be considered for sibling priority, the sibling must be already attending the school and returning for the following school year.

*Only applicable to Phase I applications.

Families with multiple birth siblings can choose to link their applications, allowing the children to be treated as a single entry in the lottery. To successfully link applications, the following criteria must be met:

• Single Account: All applications must be submitted through the same parent/guardian account.
• Consistency: Each application must indicate the student is a twin/multiple, and the date of birth must match across all siblings.
• Identical Rankings: Schools, programs, and areas of focus must be ranked in the exact same order for all students. 
• Qualifications: Each student must meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen programs.
  • Note: If one sibling qualifies for a program and another does not, the qualified student may still receive an offer. The linkage will remain intact for any other ranked programs where both qualify.

*Only applicable to Phase I applications.

The lottery system prioritizes applications based on residency.

• In-District vs. Out-of-District: Phase I applications from residents living within district boundaries are processed before out-of-district applications.
• HISD Employees: Guardians who are employed by HISD but live outside the district may receive In-District Priority.
  • Requirement: You must indicate your HISD employment status on the application.

*Only applicable to Phase I applications.