(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This week, the District of Columbia launched “My School DC,” the common application for D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools for the 2015-2016 school year. In its second year of operation, My School DC provides a single online application where families can apply for out-of-boundary spots at DCPS schools (K–12), all DCPS Pre-K programs for 3-year-olds and Pre-K programs for 4-year-olds, DCPS selective citywide high schools, and nearly every public charter school program. Approximately 3,000 applications have already been submitted by residents.

“The My School DC common application and lottery makes it easier for families to find a school that fits their needs,” said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “Not only does it simplify the process to apply, but it also increases the number of students who will be accepted at a school of their choice well in advance of next school year.”

The system is a joint effort of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, DCPS, the Public Charter School Board, and public charter schools.

“My School DC is an excellent example of how District agencies and public schools in both sectors can work together to benefit District families,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Abigail Smith.

Families can go to MySchoolDC.org to submit an application to as many as 12 schools. The new DCPS school boundaries and feeder patterns for school year 2015-16, as well as the extensive phase-in policies, are programmed into the application. This year’s application also includes several enhancements recommended by parents through focus groups, surveys, and My School DC’s Parent Advisory Council. The application process is open through February 2 for grades 9 – 12 and March 2 for grades PK – 8. There is no advantage to applying early.

The online application is available in English or Spanish. Families can also call the My School DC hotline (202- 888-6336) to complete an application by phone, and live interpretation in other languages is available.

Families looking for more information on public school options can use the School Finder available at  find.MySchoolDC.org. The tool allows families, for the first time, to search for their neighborhood in-boundary school under the new SY15-16 boundaries while at the same time exploring all the other public school options available to them. The My School DC website also has school profiles and detailed FAQs on how the lottery works.

For more information on the process and how to submit an application, please visit MySchoolDC.org.