EdStart Guide
Choice and Option Schools: How They Work (LWSD + Bellevue)
Themes, lotteries, timelines, and official links written for families new to the U.S. and first-generation students.
Verification: Details and application links point to official LWSD and BSD pages. Timelines can change, always confirm on the district sites.
Why families choose these schools
Choice or option schools are public schools with a special focus like STEM, arts, environmental/outdoor learning, or Cambridge/AICE. They are usually smaller and have a different style of teaching. Because seats are limited, admission often uses a lottery. You always keep the right to attend your neighborhood school.
How it works (quick bullets)
- Eligibility: Most programs are for students who live in the district by the deadline.
- Apply + attend info events: Districts post application windows and offer information sessions or tours.
- Lottery & waitlist: If more students apply than seats, the district runs a random lottery and then a waitlist.
- Transportation: Policies differ. LWSD often expects family transportation (some shuttles are limited). BSD high schoolers commonly use King County Metro (youth ride free with ORCA).
LWSD choice/option schools (middle & high)
| School / Program | Grades | Theme / Focus | Apply / Program | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental & Adventure School (EAS) | 6-8 | Environmental, outdoor & integrated learning | LWSD Choice Application | Lottery-based; check current shuttle options on LWSD. |
| Northstar Middle School | 6-8 | Small community; theme-based, multi-age classes | LWSD Choice Application | Lottery-based. |
| Renaissance School of Art & Reasoning | 6-8 | Arts-integrated, interdisciplinary | LWSD Choice Application | Lottery-based. |
| Stella Schola | 6-8 | Integrated historical themes; mastery learning | LWSD Choice Application | Lottery-based; verify annual transportation sign-up details. |
| Emerson K-12 (Parent Partnership) | K-12 | Alternative Learning (ALE); family-school partnership | Emerson K-12 | Not lottery-based; separate application & info meetings. |
| International Community School (ICS) | 6-12 | Integrated arts & sciences; global awareness | LWSD Choice Schools | Lottery-based; see LWSD for process & transportation notes. |
| Cambridge Program (Juanita HS) | 9-12 | Cambridge AICE curriculum | Program page | Apply during LWSD window; see JHS page for course details. |
| Emerson High School | 9-12 | Small, personalized high school | Emerson HS Application | Not lottery-based; accepts at set times. |
| Tesla STEM High School | 9-12 | STEM; research & lab pathways | Application process | Lottery-based; dates posted annually. |
LWSD hub pages: Choice Schools -+ Choice School Application
Bellevue School District (BSD) option programs
- International School (6-12): School page
- Bellevue Big Picture (6-12): School page
- Language & Dual Language Pathways: Spanish Immersion & Dual Language, Mandarin Dual Language (Jing Mei-Tillicum-Newport), Japanese Dual Language (Bennett). See BSD's official application page for entry grades and windows: Apply to Choice Schools & Programs.
Transportation in BSD: high school and choice students commonly use King County Metro; youth ride free with ORCA. Check school pages for route guidance.
Application timeline (typical year-confirm each cycle)
Oct-Nov
- Attend information sessions/tours.
- LWSD opens applications (often early Nov) for the next school year.
Dec-Jan
- BSD application window typically mid-Dec to mid-Jan.
- LWSD lottery usually in January; watch for notification emails.
Late Jan-Spring
- BSD opens waitlists after the window closes.
- Complete acceptance steps and enrollment forms.
Summer
- Confirm transportation (LWSD shuttles-limited/varies; BSD route info & ORCA).
- Finalize course requests and required paperwork.
FAQ
What if we miss the deadline?
Join the waitlist for your preferred program and apply in the next annual window. Seats may open later if accepted students decline.
Can we return to our neighborhood school?
Yes. Washington districts guarantee access to your attendance-area (neighborhood) school.
Do non-resident students (outside the district) have access?
Policies vary. BSD allows some non-resident applications to the waitlist with priority for BSD residents. LWSD lotteries are generally for LWSD residents; Emerson programs use separate processes.
How does transportation work?
LWSD: families often arrange transportation; limited shuttles may be offeredGÇöconfirm each year. BSD: high school/choice students often use King County Metro (youth ride free with ORCA).