The Pasadena Unified School District’s popular Open Enrollment process for the 2025-26 school year kicks off with the first lottery application period for school district residents and children of school district / city employees on January 8th.
Parents and guardians of students may apply through Open Enrollment at pusd.us/enrollment. Applications are required for all Transitional Kindergarten programs, dual language immersion programs, and all school transfer requests.
According to Public Information Officer Hilda Ramirez Horvath, Pasadena Unified’s Open Enrollment lottery “is random with priority given to siblings, neighborhood students, and the children of PUSD employees. Children of City of Pasadena employees also qualify for preferential assignment.” Choices are fulfilled based upon space available at the requested school.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend school tours prior to registering for Open Enrollment. School tour information is available online at https://www.pusd.us/departments/enrollment/school-tours.
Pasadena Unified offers a broad diversity of educational offerings, including:
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK): Now available at every elementary school in the District, providing an early educational foundation for younger learners. Children who turn four on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible. All families interested in enrolling their child in TK must complete an Open Enrollment application, even if they select their assigned neighborhood school.
- Pan African Immersive Storytelling Academy: Designed to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy skills while celebrating the rich diversity of Pan-African cultures and histories.
- Arts Education: Cultivating creatively through comprehensive music, visual arts, and performing arts programs.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math): Innovative programs that prepare students for the future.
- College & Career Academies: Preparing students with real-world skills and experiences that position them to choose their future.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): A rigorous, globally recognized curriculum that develops critical thinking and international-mindedness.
- Dual Language and World Language Programs: Immersive education in Spanish, Mandarin, French, and Armenian, fostering bilingualism, cultural understanding, and global citizenship.
- Magnet Schools: Themed programs focusing on specialized subjects and experiential learning in art, dual language immersion, environmental science, cross-cultural learning, and early college.
“Our schools are filled with dedicated teachers, creative programs, and a welcoming atmosphere that supports every student’s growth,” said Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent of Pasadena Unified. “Open Enrollment is about giving families the power of choice and helping them find the perfect fit for their child’s education.”
Results of the Open Enrollment process will be available online on February 12th.
For more information on Open Enrollment, visit pusd.us/enroll or contact the Enrollment Office at (626) 396-3639.