Choice Schools

Students at EAS dressed in orange for Unity Day

Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use innovative approaches to education that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.

Enrollment and Lottery Process

Choice Schools and programs are open to all students in the district. Students must apply to be considered for enrollment in the school or program: the schools are small by design, so there are enrollment limits.

The Choice School application window for the 2023-24 school year is now closed.

Cambridge Program

10601 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland 98034
Grades 9-12

  • Maximum 240 students, grades 9-12
  • Rigorous academic curriculum and assessment program administered by the University of Cambridge in England, with an emphasis on development of higher-order thinking skills, problem solving, investigative and research skills
  • Teachers collaborate with international experts; students make global connections
  • Examinations in mathematics & sciences, languages, arts & humanities, and global perspectives lead toward the globally recognized Advanced International Certificate of Education
  • Program provides a rich, collaborative environment in which scholarship is the norm, with a focus on transition to competitive post-secondary institutions
  • Follows district Choice School application, lottery and registration timeline

Community School

11133 NE 65th Street, Kirkland 98033
Grades 1-5

Visit website for information

 

 

Discovery Community School

12801 84th Avenue NE, Kirkland 98034
Grades K-5

Visit website for information.

 

Dual Language Program at Einstein Elementary School
English | Español

18025 NE 116th Street, Redmond 98052
Grades K-5

 

 

Emerson High School

10903 NE 53rd Street, Kirkland 98033
Grades 9-12
Not lottery based.

  • Maximum 130 students, grades 9-12
  • Smaller class sizes
  • Standards-based grading/credits
  • Eight session calendar
  • Opportunity for independent study coursework
  • Full access to Running Start and WANIC skills programs for 11th and 12th graders
  • Personalized learning plans are provided for each student
  • Grading scale is A-B-C-No Credit
  • Night school attendance opportunities
  • Instruction provided using LWSD curriculum and state standards

Emerson K-12

10903 NE 53rd Street, Kirkland 98033
Grades K-12
Not lottery based.

  • Maximum 350 students, grades K-12
  • Partner with families who instruct their children at home
  • Smaller class sizes
  • Enrichment and core classes
  • Full access to Running Start and WANIC skills programs for 11th & 12th graders
  • Fully accredited
  • Option for LWSD diploma
  • Personalized learning plans are provided for each student
  • Instruction provided using LWSD curriculum and state standards

Environmental & Adventure School

8040 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland 98034
Grades 6-8

  • Maximum 140 students, grades 6-8
  • Rigorous and challenging curriculum organized around district and state standards
  • Language arts, social studies, science, and art curriculum integrated around yearly themes
  • Multi-grade classes in all subject areas
  • Adventure education (school excursions) and community stewardship projects connected with academic learning, personal challenge and teamwork
  • Extensive parent volunteer involvement
  • See school website for more information

Explorer Community School

7040 208th Avenue NE, Redmond 98053
Grades 1-5

  • Maximum 72 students, grades 1-5
  • Multi-grade classes
  • Curriculum organized around district and state standards
  • The school's mission is to create a learning partnership among children, teachers and parents
  • School community aims to inspire a life-long passion for learning in an atmosphere of fun, trust and respect
  • Extensive parent volunteer involvement

Futures School

10601 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland 98034
Grades 9-12
Not lottery based.

  • 27 students, primarily juniors and seniors in need of credit recovery; intake conferences arranged individually
  • A supportive environment that fosters the development of inquisitive, engaged and self-confident students who take ownership of their learning and strive for excellence
  • Rigorous content mastery supported by intensive collaboration among faculty members
  • Faculty use best practices to activate student engagement
  • Washington Achievement Award winner in the category of Extended Graduation Rate

International Community School

11133 NE 65th Street, Kirkland 98033
Grades 6-12

Information night: Video posted by October 28, 2022
Location: ICS website

  • Maximum 440 students, grades 6-12
  • Focus on classical education with global applications in business, law, social sciences and science
  • Highly integrated core content areas of international studies, humanities and art
  • Four years of Spanish required
  • All high school courses are offered at the Honors or AP level
  • 99% of ICS graduates attend a four-year college
  • Majority of graduates earn scholarships

Mead STEM Program

1725 - 216th Ave NE, Sammamish 98074
Grades 1-5
This program is only open to students who reside in the Mead Elementary School attendance boundary.

 

 

Northstar Middle School

10903 NE 53rd Street, Kirkland 98033
Grades 6-8

  • Maximum 90 students, grades 6-8
  • Challenging academic program with high-level expectations for all students
  • Theme-based classes, focus on humanities and sciences
  • Emphasis on academic excellence and service to the community
  • Organized like a college curriculum – 7th and 8th grade students choose courses each semester, 6th grade students take required foundational classes

Renaissance School of Art & Reasoning

400 228th Ave NE, Sammamish 98074
Grades 6-8

  • Maximum 96 students in grades 6-8 develop in an environment of academic rigor, using multiple approaches and perspectives
  • Focus on integrating the visual and performing arts with a challenging science and mathematics curriculum
  • Students are known and nurtured as important individuals who have an active concern for their community and society
  • Strong parent involvement and volunteerism
  • Numerous after-school enrichment programs
  • RSAR is a member of the National Thespian Society and National Junior Honor Society

Stella Schola

13505 NE 75th Street, Redmond 98052
Grades 6-8

  • Maximum 90 students, grades 6-8
  • Challenging academics based on historical themes and integrated with classic literature
  • Students remain with the same teacher all day, providing strong support and a personalized learning environment
  • Hands-on learning activities, projects, and field experiences
  • One-to-one student mentoring at sixth grade
  • Honors distinction available for students who choose to opt-in in grades 7 and 8
  • Elective options including band, orchestra and fitness

Tesla STEM High School

4301 228th Avenue NE, Redmond 98053
Grades 9-12

  • Maximum 600 students, grades 9-12
  • Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
  • UW in the High School with Honors and Advanced Placement courses
  • STEM lab concentrations & problem-based learning
  • STEM connections between school, college, graduate school and global enterprise
  • STEM professionals/experts and instructors work as a team in the learning environment
  • STEM education fused with the social sciences, humanities, law and business
  • Scholars prepared to work on real solutions to local, national and global problems
  • Scholars prepared to translate invention to innovation to global solutions
  • Scholars work in STEM internships/contest-based mentorships

Secondary school options

Click on image to view larger.
First page of the PDF file: Middleschooloptionsflyer2023-24
Click on image to view larger.
First page of the PDF file: Highschooloptionsflyer2023-24
 

Transportation for Choice Schools and Programs

Parents/guardians of students who attend Choice Schools or programs must arrange their own transportation. In some cases, the district offers bus transportation. Contact the Choice School or program you are interested in attending for more information.

Choice School Applications

Applicants should apply online to each Choice School they are considering.

If your child has previously applied to a Choice School and is on a waitlist, do not re-apply to that school. Your child's waitlist spot is carried forward each year.

(Note: Emerson K-12, Emerson High School and Futures School use their own applications. Please contact those schools for application information.)

After completing the online application, the applicant will receive a confirmation email from the system indicating that the application has been received. Incomplete applications will not be processed as part of the lottery. If you are unable to access the online application, please email ChoiceSchool@lwsd.org.

A lottery and/or wait list system is used to place students when applications exceed vacancies. Choice School and program lotteries are run centrally at the district office. Lottery numbers are generated for each student through the use of a random sequence generator. The district will notify parents of their student's lottery number(s) following the district lottery.

For more information about the Choice School or program you are interested in, visit the school's website. Additionally, most Choice Schools or programs hold an information night that provides a greater level of detail about the school, its program, and the unique features a student and family can expect at that particular school or program. Annually, the district publishes information about the middle school options and high school options. This can also help to inform students and families about the features of a Choice School or program.

For information on eligibility, the application process, lottery process, and more, parents may review the district administrative policy and procedure.