Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Envision Schools (CAT, Metro, Envision Academy, and Impact Academy)?
Do you offer shadow opportunities at your schools?
How does Envision Schools select its students?
If I live in San Francisco, can I select both Metro and CAT on the Admissions Application?
For CAT and Metro, can I apply through San Francisco Unified School District?
Are there any preferences given to any students in the lottery process?
What is the time line for the application and admissions process?
Does Envision Schools have a separate enrollment process or lottery for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs)?
If Envision Schools uses a lottery process to enroll students, why is an Admissions Application required?
Does Envision Schools admit students during the school year?
How do I apply to Envision Schools (CAT, Metro, Envision Academy, and Impact Academy)?
Visit the Our Schools & Enrollment page to learn more about selecting one of our schools, visiting, and applying. If you already know which school site you want to apply to, and are ready to fill out the online application, click here. You can also print out hard copies of the application on the individual school Web sites (CAT in SF, Metro in SF, EA in Oakland, Impact in Hayward) or pick one up at any parent information session.
Do you offer shadow opportunities at your schools?
Yes. All 4 Envision campuses host information events designed for prospective Envision families throughout the school year, including “shadow visit” days that allow prospective students to experience student life. Visiting students will be paired with a student host and will have the opportunity to ask questions, visit classes, tour the school, attend a community meeting and meet other students. Contact schools directly to learn more about the dates for these events and to sign up for a shadow visit or attend a parent information session.
• Enrollment page for City Arts & Technology High School – San Francisco, California
• “Future Students” page for Metropolitan Arts & Technology High School – San Francisco, California
• Enrollment page for Envision Academy of Arts &Technology High School – Oakland, California
• Enrollment page for Impact Academy of Arts & Technology High School – Hayward, California
How does Envision Schools select its students?
As prescribed by California law, Envision Schools conducts a lottery for incoming ninth grade students. A separate lottery is held for each of the Envision Schools.
If I live in San Francisco, can I select both Metro and CAT on the Admissions Application?
Yes, if you live in San Francisco, you can select both CAT and Metro. You will be added to both lists and will be assigned two separate lottery numbers.
For CAT and Metro, can I apply through San Francisco Unified School District?
No. CAT and Metro’s enrollment process is completely separate from SFUSD. If you are applying to SFUSD high schools, do not list CAT or Metro as one of your choices on the District’s enrollment form.
Are there any preferences given to any students in the lottery process?
Yes. They are as follows:
Envision Academy – Siblings of currently enrolled students, students of current Envision Academy staff, and current or past Envision Schools Board members receive preference. Residents of Alameda County are next in preference.
CAT and Metro – Siblings of currently enrolled students, students of current CAT and Metro staff, and current or past Envision Schools Board members receive preference. Students who reside in San Francisco are next in preference.
Impact Academy – Siblings of currently enrolled students, students of current Impact Academy staff, and current or past Envision School Board members receive preference. Residents of Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) are next in preference.
What is the time line for the application and admissions process?
Following the submission of your application, Envision Schools will conduct a lottery for admissions. Lottery dates vary by school but they are typically held between February 5th and March 10th. You will be notified of the lottery date and your lottery number by February 1st. Acceptance letters will be mailed the day after the lottery event. Students who are offered enrollment at an Envision School must accept or decline by the deadline stated in the acceptance letter. Students who were not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waitlist in the order selected in the lottery.
Does Envision Schools have a separate enrollment process or lottery for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs)?
No. Students with IEPs and students with identified learning disabilities are enrolled using the same lottery process.
If Envision Schools uses a lottery process to enroll students, why is an Admissions Application required?
There are several reasons Envision Schools requires an application. As a school of choice, Envision Schools wants to ensure that students use the application process as a way to decide if an Envision School is right for you. Also, the information listed on the application helps us to get to know students, their particular needs and pertinent personal and family information.
Does Envision Schools admit students during the school year?
Students are periodically enrolled during the first semester depending on space available. Mid-year transfers will not be considered after mid-January. Students wishing to transfer mid-year must contact the school directly for enrollment information and to schedule a meeting.
