One of the most common concerns we hear from families is about the school assignment lottery. The data tells a reassuring story.
The Numbers
- 69% of families receive their first-choice school
- 85% get one of their top three choices
- 94% who rank their attendance-area school are placed there
How It Works
The SFUSD lottery system is designed to balance family choice with equitable access. Families submit a ranked list of preferred schools, and the system assigns students based on availability and priority factors.
The New Waitlist Policy
The updated waitlist policy further improves outcomes by automatically placing families on the waitlist for their top 5 unassigned schools. This means even if you don't get your first choice initially, the system continues working for you.
Tips for Families
- Rank your attendance-area school — you have a 94% chance of getting it
- List at least 7-10 schools — more choices means more opportunities
- Research schools in person — tours and open houses give the best picture
- Don't let myths discourage you — the lottery works much better than most people think