Apply to Choice Schools and Programs
We are no longer accepting Choice School Entry Level Lottery Applications for incoming K (current P-4) and incoming 6th grade (current 5th grade) students the 2021-22 school year. Offer notifications will be emailed in by February for Big Picture and International School, by March for the elementary schools and programs. Incoming K (current P-4) and incoming 6th grade (current 5th grade) students that missed the application period may submit a waitlist application to be added to the bottom of a waitlist.
All other grade levels may apply to be added to the bottom of a Choice School waitlist at any time, please visit our Waitlist application for Choice Schools and Programs for more information. For a listing of common questions and answers about the Choice School Program, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Choice School Entry Level Application
The Choice School Application period for incoming kindergarten and 6th grade students will typically be from mid-December to mid-January, the actual dates will be posted on the BSD website in late November. Offer notifications will be emailed in late February.
This application process is for entry level into a Bellevue School District Choice School or Program.
- Kindergarten entry for elementary level (Puesta del Sol, Jing Mei and Spanish DL program)
- 6th grade entry for secondary level (Bellevue Big Picture and International School)
Choice School Waitlist Application
If your student is not entry grade level they may apply to the existing waitlist. New applications will be placed on the bottom of their current grade level waitlists in the order received for possible entry in the fall for the upcoming school year. Students applying for language programs will be required to pass an appropriate grade level language proficiency screening.
Learn More About Choice Schools and Programs
Spanish Dual Language
Students of both Spanish and English language backgrounds benefit from participating in this program. Students learn to read, write and speak proficiently in two languages, with near native skill by the time they complete fifth grade.
Jing Mei
Jing Mei teaches Mandarin Chinese and English using dual language two-way immersion model. Two-way immersion means student enrollment in the classes is balanced between native Mandarin speakers and Non-Mandarin speakers.
Puesta del Sol
Students at Puesta del Sol are taught the standard Bellevue School District curriculum but receive instruction in Spanish. Classroom teachers have native or near-native ability in the Spanish language and are chosen for their skills and their commitment to the goals of the program.
Big Picture School
Big Picture School fosters academic relationships, personalized experiences and inclusion for all students. Students are independent, driven and self-motivated learners that are eager to explore potential career fields through internships and are excited to discover their true passion.
International School
Graduates from International School take an average of seven Advanced Placement courses and students can earn college credit in math, computer science, and technology as well. Students complete an extensive capstone Senior Project, which involves deep learning in an area of student choice, internships, community service, and assessment by an expert panel.