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Published 9/3/2026
Understanding Charter School Lotteries
How charter school admission lotteries work, what priority means, and what to expect if your child is waitlisted.
Understanding Charter School Lotteries
When a charter school receives more applications than available seats, it must hold a random, public lottery.
Common priority categories:
- Siblings of currently enrolled students
- Children of founding families or staff
- Students residing within the district
If your child isn't selected, ask about the waitlist — spots often open up before the school year starts.
General information. Lottery rules vary by school and state.