At the elementary level, the District provides specialized programs focused on the Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).  While covering the same Idaho Content Standards, these programs offer an immersive and hands-on approach to learning aligned with these focus areas that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

For instance, an Art-focused elementary school can ignite your student's imagination and artistic talents, providing them with a strong foundation in creative expression.  These programs are offered at Christine Donnell, Chief Joseph, and Pioneer Schools of the Arts. Similarly, STEM-focused schools emphasize science and technology, preparing students by nurturing their skills in these crucial fields.  These programs are offered at Barbara Morgan, Galileo, Spalding, and Summerwind STEM Academies.  These schools allow your student to explore these interests and develop strengths in an environment designed to help them thrive.

As students transition to secondary education, the District also offers programs that focus on fine arts (grades 6-12) and academic acceleration opportunities (grades 9-12).  Enrolling a student at Idaho Fine Arts Academy can help refine artistic talents, whether in music, theater, or visual arts. In addition to learning core content standards, this specialized curriculum ensures students receive extensive training in their chosen art form, preparing them for further education and potential careers in the arts. 

At Renaissance, the academic acceleration opportunities provide a rigorous and challenging academic experience that can fast-track your student's education. This program offers advanced and specialized coursework through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the International Baccalaureate Career Certificate allowing students to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about and to excel academically, setting a strong foundation for college and career success. Renaissance also offers the Associate of Arts in General Studies from Idaho State University that students have the opportunity to pursue.

To attend one of these schools, applications are required. All applications are online. You are not provided a confirmation email of submittal. The last page on the application is the confirmation. All applications are reviewed, and all information submitted is verified.

Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) hosts the audition process in place of lottery draw for placement. Auditions will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, for the 2025-26 school year. Additional information will be provided after completing the application to schedule an audition time.

There are two time periods to apply. To be in the lottery or audition for the next school year, applications are due in the month of November. If you missed this time period or would like to apply to another School of Choice, January 7th through October 2025 is the late application period.

Only the applications submitted in November can qualify for the lottery draw in December.

FYI: Paramount and Siena elementary schools are the only two schools that will have half-day kindergarten the 25-26 school year.

• ON-TIME Schools of Choice Lottery Application for 2025-26 will be available November 1, 2024, and closes on November 30, 2024.

• LOTTERY DRAWS for the 2025-26 school year will be Friday, December 6th at 10:30 am in the Sawtooth Board Room at the West Ada School District Office.

IMPORTANT: You can apply to multiple schools. If you are drawn more than once, you will be notified to respond within 72 hours as to which school of choice you are accepting a seat at.

The late application period takes place January 7, 2025, through October 2025. Through submitting an application in this time period, an application is placed on the late wait list. If and when a seat becomes available, the schools use these lists to fill open seats. No lottery is used for these applications. The late lottery wait lists are created in the order that applications are received i.e., grade, date, and time.

In December, the schools host a random lottery draw. If more students apply than seats are available in any grade level, then students will be selected by random lottery and placed on a waitlist. All applications submitted in November are entered into the on-time lottery draw for the school(s) applied. The order in which lotteries are drawn will start with Renaissance High School, elementary schools (randomly selected), ending with Galileo. In December, applicants will receive lottery result notifications via email provided on the application.

IMPORTANT: You can apply to multiple schools. If you are drawn more than once, you will be notified through email to respond within 72 hours as to which school of choice you are accepting a seat at.

In December, lottery result letters are emailed to applicants. There is a time period in which those who have been given placement offers must respond. Parents are to notify the school if they accept or deny the offer. If the applicant accepts, they will proceed to enroll their student at that school. This SOC school now becomes the students homeschool. If the applicant declines the offer, they will need to enroll at their primary attendance boundary school.

IMPORTANT: Parents need either accept or deny the placement offer within the outlined time frame. If no response is recorded, that seat will no longer be saved for the student and the next student on the waitlist will be contacted.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, through October 2025, is the late application time period for the 2025-26 school year. These are applications submitted to be placed on the school/grade late wait list. The school will contact the applicant if their application is next in line and/or qualifies for a placement offer. If you accept a placement offer, the school will assist with next steps for enrollment.

Schools of Choice Late Application link will be available on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Please visit the WASD Transportation page for more information.

For additional information on the School of Choice process, reference Policy 0501.90: Student Enrollment and Enrollment Options and its Administrative Regulations 7, 8, 9, and 10, click this link: Policy Manual: 0501.90 Student Enrollment and Enrollment Options