When there are more requests than spaces available for a particular school or program, lotteries are held to determine which students are assigned and the order of the waiting list for the remaining students. A session for new kindergartners and parents run at each school in June. The School Committee policy which says that each school's student body shall include a percentage of minority students which reflects the system- wide percentage of minority students plus or minus ten percent. The department that assesses and provides services for gifted children K-12. Parents or teachers may make referrals for evaluation at any time.
All elementary schools offer the same curriculum.
The school identity or theme augments the basic subjects. It is a way in which the teachers of each school enrich their curriculum. A brief, individual evaluation of each entering kindergarten student to identify those who may need further evaluation for special education services. It is not an intelligence, achievement or readiness test. All kindergarten students must be screened, by law, by the end of October.