How can we submit an application? Online applications may be submitted at apply.spps.org where you may also use School Finder to identify your community and area schools and gain information on transportation availability. Paper applications are also accepted.

What happens if I submit more than one application? Your school choices from the last application submitted will be used for enrollment processing.

When will we be notified of our school placement? Families submitting applications by the February 9, 2024 priority deadline will receive notice of acceptance (or placement on a waiting list) in March.

If my child is currently enrolled in a school and will continue through the remaining grade levels, do we need to reapply? No. Your child may stay at his/her current school.

If we decide to apply to a different school, will my child lose their place at their current school? Your child will not lose placement at their current school simply by applying to a new school, but they may lose placement if you are accepted to a new school. If you change your mind about leaving your current school, you will need to decline the acceptance of your new school. Notify the Student Placement Center by the date listed on the acceptance notification. Please note there may no longer be space available to return to your previous school.

Can families who do not live in St. Paul apply to Saint Paul Public Schools? Yes. Under Minnesota’s open enrollment law, families can apply to PreK-12 schools that are not located in their home school district. Space availability and school district policies still apply.

How can we improve our chances of getting into a particular school?

• Apply by the February 9, 2024 priority application deadline.
• NOTE Living within the school’s identified boundary provides priority over students living outside the specified Area.

Do I have a greater opportunity of getting my first choice school if I apply earlier than the deadline? No. All applications received by the priority deadline are treated equally and processed based on the admission priorities.

Is my child guaranteed acceptance to one of my school choices listed on the application? No. Many schools receive more applications than they can accept. If your choices typically have limited space or receive a large number of applications, your chances of being accepted to one of those schools are reduced. To increase your chances of getting one of your schools of choice, consider listing your Community School as one of your options.

What if we moved into the school district after the priority application deadline? Students are enrolled throughout the school year. Meeting the priority deadline is simply the best way to increase your chances of getting your preferred school. The Student Placement Center is open year-round and works with families individually to help them choose schools. To schedule an appointment, call the Student Placement Center at 651-632-3760.

How old does my child have to be to attend school? Children who are five years old on or before September 1, 2024 are eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2024-25 school year. Children must be four years old on or before September 1, 2024 to be eligible for the pre- kindergarten program during the 2024-25 school year.

What if my child is not five years old by September 1, but I want him or her to attend school in 2024-25? Some children may be ready for kindergarten before they turn five years old. If your child was born between September 2 and December 31, 2019 they may be tested for early admission to kindergarten. The testing process for early admission to kindergarten assesses children who clearly show above-average cognitive skills and above-average large and small-motor skills. Please contact the Student Placement Center for details, times and dates. NOTE: The deadline for applying for the Early Admission to Kindergarten Screening is Friday, February 9, 2024.

If I live in St. Paul, is my child guaranteed a spot at a Saint Paul Public School? Yes, for kindergarten through grade 12. The Student Placement Center works with families to find a place for every St. Paul student. When Pre-K classes are full, a wait list is maintained and families are contacted when and if a spot becomes available. Certain priorities may affect your student's admission to specific schools. Please review the School Placement Criteria.

Do I have to provide verification of my address? You may be asked to provide verification of your address. This will be used to coordinate enrollment eligibility and bus transportation. Verification materials can include but are not limited to state issued ID or driver’s license and a utility bill in the parent/guardian’s name at the address listed on the application.

If I have a child that is not currently enrolled in Saint Paul Public Schools, will they automatically be enrolled at a school where their siblings attend?  No. An application is required for all students who are new to and/or not currently enrolled in Saint Paul Public Schools.