Hundreds of Options, One Application: HISD School Choice Application Now Open for Families

Houston Independent School District (HISD) today opened its annual School Choice application, giving families the opportunity to explore hundreds of neighborhood and specialty schools and select the one that best meets their child’s needs.

As an open-enrollment district of choice, HISD allows students to apply to schools beyond their zoned campus and to access specialized academic programs across the District through a single, streamlined application.

“School Choice is about ensuring families have access to high-quality options that align with theirchildren’s interests, strengths, and goals,” said Kelsey Lippitz, Executive Director of School Choice. “Whether a family is looking for career-focused learning, advanced academics, fine arts, or a unique instructional approach, HISD offers an extraordinary range of opportunities, all accessible through one application.”

Through the School Choice process, families can apply to a wide variety of schools and programs, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), fine arts, International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori, STEM, Vanguard, and much more.

Phase I: Lottery
During Phase I, families rank up to 10 school choices and submit an application. HISD uses a lottery process to determine seat offers. Students who do not receive a seat are automatically placed on waitlists for any higher-ranked schools.

Phase II: Space Available
Phase II opens on April 8, 2026, following Parent Notification Day. During this phase, families may submit applications to be added to existing waitlists if space becomes available.

Important Dates

• December 9, 2025: HISD K-12 School Choice Phase 1 application opens
• February 27, 2026: Application deadline; all rankings and required documents must be submitted
• April 8, 2026: Parent Notification Day; Phase II opens

Families are encouraged to explore school options early, attend information sessions, and submit applications before the February 27 deadline. Families can also learn more about School Choice options on Saturday, December 13, at the HISD School Choice Fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men.

For more information about HISD School Choice, visit schoolchoice.houstonisd.org.