Choice Enrollment
Choice Enrollment involves placement at a school that’s located outside of a student’s resident service area or district. The placement requires a minimum one-year commitment by the student. Applications will be accepted from students residing in district from April 1 to April 30 at the Educational Service Center.
Out-of-district applications will be accepted beginning Aug. 1 for both secondary and elementary students. Out-of-district applicants are not a part of the lottery process.
Go to www.fwps.org/info/choice or contact Paula Curtis at (253) 945-2013 or pcurtis@fwps.org.
Nautilus K-8 program
Nautilus Elementary, one of two kindergarten through eighth-grade schools in the district, has openings for sixth-grade students for the coming year. The program emphasizes science and uses curriculum developed in partnership with Highline Community College. In addition to classroom work, students participate in activities at the college’s new Marine Sciences Center at Redondo.
Next year is the second year of phasing in sixth- to eighth-grades at Nautilus. It will be the first year that the school includes seventh-graders. Eighth-graders will join the student body in 2010-2011. To learn more, call Nautilus at (253) 945-3400.
Gifted and talented
Parents are invited to consider nominating their child for the Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) program. In Federal Way, every elementary school operates a third-, fourth- and fifth-grade GATE classroom. Current third- and fourth-graders will stay in the class next year, and will be joined by a new group of incoming third-grade students.
Nomination packets are available in each elementary school office from April 14-30. Staff, parents and other adults familiar with the child can fill out the nomination form, which evaluates the child in seven areas of giftedness. Students qualify for the program based on academic achievement as well as cognitive and creative abilities.
Nominations are due by May 1. Parents will be notified in late May. Check with your school’s principal or contact Gwen Knechtel at (253) 945-2056 or
gwen-knechtel@fwps.org.
Kindergarten registration
Registration for incoming kindergarten students begins May 4. Students must be 5 on or before Aug. 31, 2009. Stop by during the regular school day; bring a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or other documentation. Current immunization records are also needed. For more information, go to www.fwps.org/info/enrollment/kindergarten.
