2021-2022 Choices Application Will Be Available October 1, 2020

If you're wanting to get your child into an LAUSD magnet school for next school year, you need to know that the Choices application will become available on October 1, 2020.

Right now, we're three weeks into the 2020-2021 school year, and LAUSD is doing their best to operate as normally as possible while accommodating distance learning. Magnet schools are fully operational, and new students were welcomed and are attending their new magnet schools just like students who were already at those schools.

The big however in all of this is that it can be harder to get information. We're physically removed from schools, teachers, and staff. And while school offices are open, they're also extra busy answering parent phone calls and emails. Drop-ins are not as welcome due to social distancing. You're probably also more focused on day-to-day survival and not thinking about next school year as much as you might under normal circumstances.

If you're craving more information, sign up for email newsletters from and check in with sources relevant to you. For example, the reason I know that the Choices application will be available on October 1st is the GATE Parent Newsletter that was sent via email by LAUSD. I think I was automatically signed up for this newsletter because of my child's status, but anyone can visit the parent page on the GATE website and read the newsletter.

I mostly monitor LAUSD via social media, particularly Twitter:

LAUSD

LAUSD Magnets

LAUSD Gate Programs

Austin Beutner (LAUSD Superintendent)

Tony Thurmond (California Superintendent of Public Instruction)

CA Department of Education

Kyle Stokes (LAist education reporter)

Howard Blume (LA Times education reporter)

Sonali Kohli (LA Times education reporter)

UTLA (United Teachers Los Angeles)

Schools often have their own website and/or school or parent newsletter. And each local district in LAUSD usually has its own social media presence that's worth following for updates. It's a good idea to sign up for updates from schools that you're targeting. They may share important information about relevant dates, and it's one way to get a feel for the school before your child attends.

(If you prefer Facebook, LAUSD Twitter accounts often have a corresponding Facebook page. You can also follow this site on Facebook, where I post reminders about upcoming deadlines and useful tips.)

The eChoices website probably won't be updated until October 1, 2020 (although hopefully they will update it after the late application deadline of September 18).