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San Francisco School Board Ends Lottery, Approves Neighborhood Enrollment

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 5:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The San Francisco Board of Education voted 5-2 to replace the school lottery with a neighborhood-based enrollment system beginning 2028-29.
Board members said the lottery lets families with more time and resources secure better schools.
Option C will assign students to a school near their home even if they apply after the deadline.
Special-program seats such as language immersion, K-8 and special-education remain citywide but admission is not guaranteed.

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Story summary

The San Francisco Board of Education voted 5-2 to replace the school lottery with a neighborhood-based enrollment system beginning 2028-29.
Board members said the lottery lets families with more time and resources secure better schools.
Option C will assign students to a school near their home even if they apply after the deadline.
Special-program seats such as language immersion, K-8 and special-education remain citywide but admission is not guaranteed.