Applying with My School DC is simple!
First, make a list.
Consider what is most important to you and your child. Use the School Finder to narrow down your school choices, and learn more about what those schools have to offer. Attend school open houses when possible to get a feel for the school and ask direct questions of school staff. Not sure what to ask? Use this list of helpful questions! We also have some specific information if you are applying to PK, high school, and for students with disabilities.
Second, create a My School DC Family Account.
Create one family account.
Use this account to submit one application for each child in your family applying to a new school; each child gets their own application in your family account. You will need to provide an email address or create a username, and set a password. Once you create an account, make sure to write down your login information in a safe place.
Next, start a My School DC Application.
You need the following information to complete a My School DC application:
Basic information about your family
- Legal guardian’s name (first and last)
- Contact information, including guardian's home address
School Selections
- You can choose up to 12 schools
- List your 1st choice (the school that you like most), then your 2nd choice, and so forth. Review your choices to ensure that they are listed in the order you like most.
You have until the deadline to make any edits on your application and until March 14, 2025 to update your school rankings.
TIP: The order in which you list your schools matters! Students can only be matched with one school and are waitlisted only at the schools they ranked higher than the school where they are matched or enrolled. Watch this helpful video to learn why it is important to list your school choices in the order you like most.
Finally, submit your application by the deadline!
The deadline to apply to high school is February 3, 2025, and the deadline to apply to PK3 – Grade 8 is March 3, 2025. You can download and print each application for your records. Remember: The lottery is a random lottery; there is no advantage to applying early. However, applicants must apply by the application deadlines to be entered into the lottery.