Enrollment
Join The Emerson School
Tuition Free. Lottery Based. Public Charter School
Enrollment at Emerson
We’re glad you’re exploring The Emerson School for your child! This page will guide you through learning about our program, attending optional Open House or Info Sessions, and understanding the application and lottery process. We look forward to connecting with your family and supporting your enrollment journey.
The Emerson School is a public charter school and uses a random lottery when applications exceed available spaces. The lottery for the 2026–2027 school year will be held in late March or early April, with results emailed on or before April 6, 2026.
Weighted Lottery
Emerson uses a weighted lottery to support access to historically underserved students as described by the Oregon Department of Education for Oregon public charter schools.
Applicants may self-identify as historically underserved if they qualify in two or more of the following categories:
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Race: African American, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, American Indian/Alaska Native
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Ethnicity: Hispanic
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Economic disadvantage (free/reduced-price meals or direct certification)
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English language learner
Applications that qualify will be entered into the lottery three times, while all other applications are entered once.
Lottery Order & Priorities
Lottery placement follows this order:
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Younger siblings of currently enrolled students may bypass the lottery for kindergarten entry.
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Siblings applying to grades 1–5 will be placed ahead of non-sibling applicants if a lottery is required.
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Self-identified historically underserved applicants (entered 3x).
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In-district (PPS) applicants.
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Out-of-district applicants.
A random number generator is used to conduct the lottery.
Waiting List & Late Applications
Applicants not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waiting list and notified of their position. Families will be contacted if a space becomes available and should be prepared to make a timely enrollment decision.
Late applications are not included in the lottery and are added to the end of the waiting list in the order received.
Lottery
Enrollment Information
Our enrollment process is designed to help you learn about our program, explore whether Emerson is the right fit for your child, and apply with confidence.
Step 1: Learn About Emerson
Start by exploring our website and reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about our educational approach, community, and values. Families are also warmly invited to attend an Open House and/or one of our Info Sessions to hear directly from staff and see our school in action.
Please note: Open House and Info Sessions are optional, do not require an RSVP, and are geared toward adults. Attendance is not required to apply.
Step 2: Attend an Open House or Info Sessions (Optional)
Info Sessions offer an overview of our program with time for questions.
Open House provides an opportunity to visit classrooms and meet teachers.
Families may choose to attend these events before or after submitting an application.
Upcoming Info Sessions on the 3rd Thursday at 9am January-May 2026
Open House is on February 24th, 2026 from 6-7pm.
Step 3: Submit an Application
If The Emerson School feels like a good educational match, the next step is to complete and submit an application.
Applications due: March 27, 2026
Lottery results emailed: On or before April 6, 2026
Step 4: Lottery & Next Steps
If applications exceed available spaces, enrollment is determined by lottery. Families will be notified of results by email.
Kindergarten: Families selected through the lottery will be invited to a Kindergarten Extravaganza in May or June.
Grades 1–5: Applicants are typically placed on a waiting list until an opening becomes available, which may occur later in the summer.
Families offered a spot from the waiting list should be prepared to make a timely enrollment decision. Due to staffing constraints, additional tours are not available outside of the Open House or Info Sessions.
Applications to The Emerson School are submitted online during the enrollment window for the upcoming school year. We encourage families to carefully review our website and enrollment information before applying to ensure Emerson is a good fit for your child and family.
Who May Apply
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Applications are open to students entering Kindergarten through 5th grade.
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Families may apply regardless of school district residency.
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Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment; placement is determined by lottery when demand exceeds available spaces.
Important Dates
Application deadline: March 27, 2026
Lottery results emailed: On or before April 6, 2026
Before You Apply
Families are encouraged (but not required) to:
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Attend an Open House to visit classrooms and meet teachers
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Attend an Info Session to learn more about our program and ask questions
Review the FAQs and Info Session Packet available on our website.
After You Apply
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If selected through the lottery, families will receive next steps by email.
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Applicants not selected will be placed on a waiting list and notified of their position.
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Late applications are accepted but are not included in the lottery and are added to the end of the waiting list in the order received.
Thank you for your interest in The Emerson School. We appreciate the time and care families take in choosing the right learning environment for their child and look forward to receiving your application.
Application
After Care
The Emerson School partners with Champions to offer on-site aftercare for our students. While we are unable to provide before-care at this time due to licensing constraints, Champions offers a safe, engaging, and convenient after-school option for families.
Designed with working families in mind, the Champions program blends fun and learning through a variety of group and individual activities. Children explore art, dramatic play, math, science, problem-solving, language development, motor skills, and more—continuing to grow and learn in a supportive environment beyond the school day.
Champions provides high-quality care right on campus, giving families peace of mind and children a joyful space to explore, connect, and build essential life skills.