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Magnet Applications & Enrollment

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APPLYING TO OUR MAGNET PROGRAM

The Rice School’s STEM Magnet Program is open to all students residing in HISD. Transportation may be provided to students who meet the qualifications.

HISD SCHOOL CHOICE APPLICATION

Discover the Power of Choice at Houston ISD

At Houston ISD, you can choose the school that’s the best fit for your child, beyond your zoned campus. HISD offers a variety of programs and learning environments to match your child’s interests and academic needs. 
 
New to HISD students can apply to attend a school other than the school they are zoned to for the current school year by applying online in School Choice.
 
Explore Your Options:

Use the School Navigator to:  

  • Learn about HISD school options and programs 

 How to Enroll:  

  1. Explore your options in the School Navigator. 
  2. Apply online in School Choice and upload required documents. 
  3. If offered a seat, accept it by confirming in School Choice. 
  4. Complete the Annual Student Information Update (ASIU) sent to you by email (approximately 24 hours after enrollment). This ensures we have your most up-to-date contact, health, and emergency information. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How do I apply to The Rice School?

A. You may apply online at choosehisd.my.site.com/Apply/SiteLanding

Q. When can I apply to The Rice School?

A. Phase 1 applications open December 9, 2025. For more information about Phases, go to:  Welcome to HISD Enrollment - Houston Independent School District

Q. I live near The Rice School. Can I just come by and register my child?

A. The Rice School is an application-only school. There are no students zoned to The Rice School. We encourage every child who is interested in our school to apply. We have a Magnet Program for STEM.

Q. My child is not identified as gifted and talented. Can they still apply to The Rice School?

A. Yes. Applicants do not need to be identified as gifted and talented to be accepted to The Rice School. However, we do offer advanced-level classes.

Q. Do I need to provide proof of residency when I apply?

A. You do not need to submit proof of residency at the time of application. However, if your student is accepted to The Rice School and accepts their seat, we will require proof of residency (water bill, electricity bill, gas bill, or lease agreement).

Q. If I apply early, does that increase my chances of being accepted at The Rice School?

A. No. All qualified applications that are received will be placed in the same lottery.

Q. I heard The Rice School has a waitlist. How many students will you accept from the wait list?

A. Each year, we access the waitlist to fill open spots. The waitlist number fluctuates each year, so there is no way of knowing what number we will get to on the waitlist

It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression in its educational or employment programs and activities.

All applications should be submitted online through the School Choice Application Platform.

Note: All K to 12th grade students should apply during Phase 1 of the application timeline. This includes out of district and/or students new to the district, as all applicants will be considered for the Phase 1 lottery.

Phase I: Lottery – Parents rank options and apply. HISD runs a lottery to determine which students get a seat. Students who do not receive a seat are waitlisted at all schools ranked higher than the one where the seat was offered.

Phase II: Space Available - Parents who apply will be added to existing waitlists established during Phase I or will be offered seats at campuses where there is space available. Students may still be offered a seat at a campus if space opens until the end of Phase 2. At the end of this phase, waitlists are retired. Current HISD students can no longer apply once this phase closes.

For assistance or additional information, please contact School Choice at schoolchoice@houstonisd.org