Parents in the Eugene School District may choose their children’s school. The district’s school choice policy allows any student in the district to attend any 4J school, provided there is space available.

4J schools strive to maintain an innovative, high-quality educational environment. The state and the district have established educational objectives for students that every school must address. However, schools may differ in philosophy and how they meet their objectives. Every district school has been encouraged to build upon its unique strengths and to develop innovative programs to meet student needs. No matter which school you choose, your child will receive an excellent education.

When choosing a school, parents should consider several things:

• Transportation—Busing is provided only for children who are attending their neighborhood schools, and live too far away to walk.
• Time—What parental commitments are required? All schools encourage active parent involvement. Some programs may require heavy participation.
• Style—How does the school operate? What are the educational and social philosophies of the principal and teachers? How does the school feel? How does the educational approach of the school match your child’s needs?

Finally, investigate—check out your neighborhood school. Find out what programs it has, and talk to the teachers and the principal. Ask yourself what you really want for your child. All neighborhood schools have progressive programs that allow children to go well beyond the basics. One of these may be just what you’re looking for. If you feel another neighborhood school, an alternative school or a charter school may be right for your child, explore that option through open houses, school visits, talking to teachers, and so on. Make sure you understand the program.

Choices and possibilities for parents:

1. Enroll in your neighborhood school.
2. Apply to another 4J school.
3. Apply to a public charter school within the district. An important note on residence: A student and parent or guardian must reside within the Eugene School District boundaries before enrolling, applying for transfers or applying to alternative schools. Proof of residence is required.  or call 541-790-7571 for boundary information.

Alternative schools

4J’s alternative schools develop programs that build on a particular theme or approach to education. Alternative schools in the district include language immersion programs in French, Spanish and Japanese; an arts and technology K–8 school; and other approaches to K–12 education. Alternative schools have no attendance boundaries—families from all neighborhoods may request to have their child attend any school. Because space is limited in the alternative programs, enrollment is by lottery.

The application process & important dates

To enroll your child in a school other than your neighborhood school, follow this process:

• Transfers between neighborhood schools and entry into alternative schools is possible as space is available.
• Research or visit school websites.  Schools hold open houses, information nights and other events during the final weeks of January and February. Parents do not need to visit a school for their child to be accepted at that school.
• Print a school choice request form from www.4j.lane.edu, or pick one up at the 4J Education Center, Instruction Department (200 North Monroe Street). The form also is available in Spanish (en español).
• Return the request form to the 4J Education Center, Instruction Department, 200 North Monroe St.
• Applications for openings are accepted from the first week of January until the last week of March during the year the student will enroll.  The first week of April the lottery is conducted at the district office.  The second week of April postcards are sent to all families who applied for the program informing them of entry into the program or if the student is on the waiting list.  Transfer requests received after April 5 may be accommodated if there is space available; otherwise the student will be placed on the school's waiting list.
• Questions?  Please call 541-790-7553.