Everything You Need to Know About the PPS School Lottery

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The PPS Lottery program is made available to make unique school programs (like dual-language or subject-area focused programs) accessible to students across the district. The lottery ensures that the seats in these programs are filled in the most equitable way possible. Read on to find out how the application process works.

Courtesy of Portland Public Schools

What’s the Process of Applying for the Lottery?

All PPS Lottery applications are managed through the PPS Parent Vue system. (You can create an account if you’ve never had a child enrolled in PPS.) Middle and high school applications were due by December 16, and the window for elementary schools is coming up from February 12-March 12.

The first step is to choose up to three schools or programs for which you want to apply, and rank those programs from 1-3. PPS categorizes their list of schools by alternative programs, dual language immersion (DLI) programs, and focus option programs. Here are the options:

Alternative Programs

Dual Langauge Immersion Programs

Pro tip: Most DLI programs only open Kindergarten seats for the Lottery — you can still apply, but a language assessment will likely be required to join a DLI program in later grades if your child is not a native speaker of the DLI language.

Focus Option Programs

Pro tip: For high school programs, entrance at grade 11 or 12 is possible, but requires an interview and transcript review to ensure on-time graduation.

Pro tip: Looking to transfer to a different neighborhood school? Submit a hardship petition — more info here.

What About Charter Schools?

There are seven charter schools in the Portland area (Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, The Emerson School, The Ivy School, Kairos PDX, Le Monde Immersion, Portland Arthur Academy, and Portland Village School) and each has their own lottery/application process. You can find information about each school on their individual websites. 

Keep in mind that the number of available seats in each program will change year over year and vary by grade level. You can access the seats available in the middle and high school programs here; Elementary available seats will be released closer to the elementary lottery window. 

How to Appeal?

You should receive your lottery results (whether you’ve been offered a seat or your number on the waitlist) about six to eight weeks after the window closes. If your child has been placed on a waitlist, you can submit a special circumstance form including additional documentation, which could potentially re-prioritize your child’s order on the waitlist. For example, if your child is number 35 on the waitlist, they could be moved to number 15. This process is less formal than the lottery application through Parent Vue; simply email the enrollment office at enrollment-office@pps.net and they can direct you to the staff member who handles appeals.

What if I Have More Questions? 

Check out the PPS Enrollment and Transfer Center, which includes more FAQs, details, and instructions.

You can also reach out to Enrollment and Transfer staff directly, by:

  • Calling their office directly at 503-916-3205. 
  • Emailing enrollment-office@pps.net.
  • Or visiting the Enrollment & Transfer Center in person at 501 N. Dixon St., Suite 140.
Robin Lanehurst
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