How to Enroll at Nova

Nova High School offers an innovative teaching and learning approach that provides inquiry-based instruction where students apply their learning through application, performance, and portfolio-based assessment to demonstrate competencies. Nova does not assign grades to students nor are students ranked. As an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) school, each student has a personalized learning plan and is held to additional requirements, including ethnic studies coursework, social justice projects, community engagement, community agreements, and social responsibility.

• School Intake Procedures: Orientations and school tours are held on select Thursdays during school hours. During orientation, staff and families review ALE school expectations and community norms. For students with IEPs, enrollment may depend on determining if there is available space in a program that meets the student’s needs.
• Mid-Year Transfer Requests: Families are encouraged to call the Nova office first to schedule an orientation. After attending orientation, current students enrolled at Seattle Public Schools can request a transfer by contacting the Enrollment office online for reassignment to Nova, pending confirmation of available program space. In the subject line, type: Transfer Request to Nova. In the description box, please include the following information: Student’s legal first/last name, Student ID (if known), Student Date of Birth, with parent name and phone number.
• Next Year Assignment Requests: Students who would like to attend Nova for the following school year may do so by applying during the Open Enrollment period starting January 5 through March 31. Assignments will be made after confirmation of available program space. After Open Enrollment has ended, all requests must follow the same steps as a Mid-Year Transfer Request as stated above.

To enroll at Nova as a non-resident, living outside Seattle city limits:

• Non-resident enrollment timeline is only from June 1st to August 31st of any year.
• Visit Non-Resident Students for more enrollment information.

Schedule your orientation:

• Contact the main office to RSVP! 206-252-3500.

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2026-27 New Student Enrollment is Open!

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has award-winning schools where families find great educators, strong academic programs, and an engaged community. SPS serves ~50,000 students across 63 elementary schools, 11 K-8 schools, 12 middle schools, and 17 high schools.

How to Enroll

Please watch the video below to learn more about the enrollment process and important dates for 2026-27 school year enrollment.

Watch Enrollment video on Vimeo

Enrollment Resources

• Learn which documents you will need to complete the enrollment process
• Bilingual Enrollment Help – available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, or Vietnamese
• International student enrollment
• Non-Resident student enrollment

Which schools are in my attendance area?

Learn how to use the Address Lookup Tool

Can my student attend a different school that is not in our attendance area?

Yes! Every SPS student is assigned to their attendance area school based on where they live. Families can apply to request that their student attend a different school through the Open Enrollment for School Choice process.

SPS offers schools with unique services, educational approaches, and learning opportunities designed to meet students’ individual needs and interests. Explore your options in Seattle Public Schools!