If the number of applications received during Open Enrollment exceeds the number of openings at a specific grade level, a random, electronic lottery is held.The lottery is run after the Open Enrollment window closes.Applicants are grouped by verified enrollment priorities (e.g., siblings of currently enrolled students, children of school staff) and a separate lottery is performed for each priority group.The results determine which applicants receive an enrollment offer and which are placed on a numbered waitlist.

Families who do not receive an enrollment offer will be placed on a numbered waitlist based on their lottery results.Schools will continue to make offers to waitlisted applicants as seats become available throughout the year.Waitlists do not roll over to the next school year; you must reapply each year.

No Entrance Exams Required: BASIS Charter Schools are open enrollment and do not require any entrance exam for admission. Enrollment is determined solely by the lottery/waitlist process, regardless of academic achievement. Grade Placement Review: Due to the rigor and acceleration of the BASIS curriculum, once a student is accepted and offered a seat, the school reserves the right to enroll the student in the grade level determined to be appropriate for their level of preparation and content knowledge. Ensuring Success: In some cases, to ensure a student is set up for academic success, the Head of School may determine that enrollment in a grade lower than the one applied for is in the student’s best interest. Upper Grades: Applicants who have been enrolled in grades 9 or higher must apply to the grade level that is next in their grade progression.

You can complete the initial application via the online enrollment portal even if you are currently living out-of-state or internationally.

Open Enrollment: We strongly recommend applying during the Open Enrollment period to secure your best chance of a seat via the lottery.

Residency Requirement

While you can apply without living in the state, you must provide proof of residency (e.g., Arizona, Louisiana, Texas residency) no later than the first day your child attends the school.

If you are moving mid-year, you can still apply, and your application will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis for the current school year.

Most campuses host regular school tours. This allows you to see the classrooms, common areas, and get a feel for the day-to-day life on campus.

Attend an Information Session (virtual or in-person) hosted by the Head of School and/or the enrollment team. These sessions provide an in-depth review of the curriculum, school culture, and an opportunity to ask specific questions about the application and lottery process.

Check the website of your desired campus for the most current schedule of tours and information sessions to register for an event. Or, visit our network-wide virtual info sessions page to sign up for a Virtual Info Session.

How to Enroll Knowledgebase

BASIS Charter Schools Application Knowledge Base

BASIS Charter Schools are tuition-free public charter schools. The enrollment process revolves around our Open Enrollment period and a random lottery system, as seats are often limited.

The 2026-27 Open Enrollment Period is from November 5 - December 12, 2025*

*Dates are for AZ, LA, and TX

Quick Links

Step-by-step Application Guide

Open Enrollment and the Lottery

Eligibility Requirements

Required Documentation

Relocating Families Guide

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Follow these steps to apply to BASIS Charter Schools for your child:

Research and Locate Campuses

Find Schools: It is recommended to apply to more than one campus if possible.

Visit and Attend Info Sessions: Check the school’s website for scheduled school tours or virtual information sessions. These are great opportunities to learn about the curriculum and school culture.

Apply During Open Enrollment

Timing is Key: The Open Enrollment period, typically in the fall for the following school year, is your best chance to secure a seat. Applications submitted during this period are included in the enrollment lottery.

Online Portal: All applications must be submitted through the official online enrollment portals for Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana. Washington, D.C., schools will apply using the My School DC common application.

Create Account: Start by creating an account or logging in to the online application system.

Submit Application: Complete the online application, selecting your preferred campuses. Applications generally take about 3 minutes and require no paperwork.

No Prerequisites: BASIS Charter Schools are open to all students; there are no entrance exams or academic prerequisites for admission.

Understand the Lottery and Waitlist

The Lottery: If the number of applications received during Open Enrollment
exceeds the number of available seats at a grade level, enrollment is determined
by a random lottery. You must apply by the Open Enrollment deadline to be
included.

Results: Lotteries are held after the Open Enrollment period ends. Families are notified of the results for each campus they applied to via email.

Waitlist: Families who do not receive an offer will be added to a numbered
waitlist.

Post-Open Enrollment Applications: Applications submitted after the Open
Enrollment period are accepted and processed on a first-come, first-served
basis, following the waitlisted applications from the lottery.

Accept Enrollment Offer (If Applicable)

Acceptance: If you receive an offer of enrollment, you will be provided with instructions on how to accept the seat offer, complete the online registration forms, and submit the required supporting documents to the school.

Completing Registration: You will be provided with a state-specific checklist of required registration documents, including proof of residency. Each BASIS Campus will communicate the deadlines to complete the registration process.

How-To Videos

Navigate the BASIS application with ease! Get fast, visual guidance on every stage of the enrollment process in Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas with these essential How-To videos.

Submit An Application

Apply To Multiple Schools

Check Application Status

Creating A Blackbaud Family ID

AZ, LA, DC: Re-Enrollment Instructions

Texas Re-Enrollment Instructions

The Enrollment Lottery and Waitlist Policy

BASIS Charter Schools use a random lottery and waitlist system when applications exceed the available seats.

Open Enrollment Period

This is a designated window, typically in the fall for the following school year, during which all applications are accepted and treated equally. Open Enrollment is NOT first-come, first-served. You must apply by the deadline to be included in the lottery pool.

The Lottery

If the number of applications received during Open Enrollment exceeds the number of openings at a specific grade level, a random, electronic lottery is held.

The lottery is run after the Open Enrollment window closes.
Applicants are grouped by verified enrollment priorities (e.g., siblings of currently enrolled students, children of school staff) and a separate lottery is performed for each priority group.
The results determine which applicants receive an enrollment offer and which are placed on a numbered waitlist.

The Waitlist

Families who do not receive an enrollment offer will be placed on a numbered waitlist based on their lottery results.
Schools will continue to make offers to waitlisted applicants as seats become available throughout the year.
Waitlists do not roll over to the next school year; you must reapply each year.

Post-Open Enrollment Applications

Applications submitted after the Open Enrollment deadline will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis,

following the waitlisted applications from the lottery.

Placement Policy

No Entrance Exams Required: BASIS Charter Schools are open enrollment and do not require any entrance exam for admission. Enrollment is determined solely by the lottery/waitlist process, regardless of academic achievement.
Grade Placement Review: Due to the rigor and acceleration of the BASIS curriculum, once a student is accepted and offered a seat, the school reserves the right to enroll the student in the grade level determined to be appropriate for their level of preparation and content knowledge.
Ensuring Success: In some cases, to ensure a student is set up for academic success, the Head of School may determine that enrollment in a grade lower than the one applied for is in the student’s best interest.
Upper Grades: Applicants who have been enrolled in grades 9 or higher must apply to the grade level that is next in their grade progression.

Eligibility, Age Limitations and Grade Requirements

BASIS Charter Schools adhere to state-specific age cutoffs for Kindergarten and First Grade.

State/Grade	Grade	Standard Age Requirement	Early Admission Option
Arizona	Kindergarten	Check with the specific campus for standard age requirement rules.	Available for children turning 6 on or after September 1 and on or before December 31.
Arizona	First Grade	Must turn 6 years old before September 1.	Available for children turning 6 on or after September 1 and on or before December 31 (may require evaluation/assessment).
Louisiana	Kindergarten	Must turn 5 years old before September 30.	No Early Admission
Louisiana	First Grade	Must turn 6 years old before September 30.	Available for children turning 6 on or after October 1 and the student must have attended a full-day public or private kindergarten.
Texas	Kindergarten	Must turn 5 years old before September 1.	No Early Admission
Texas	First Grade	Must turn 6 years old before September 1.	Available for children turning 6 after September 1, but on or before September 30. Must have completed one year of kindergarten at an accredited program or an assessment.

Required Documentation Upon Enrollment Offer

Once your child receives and you accept an enrollment offer, you will be required to complete an online registration form and submit supporting documents.

Required Documentation	Purpose	Note
Proof of Residency	To confirm the student lives in the state/jurisdiction of the school.	Usually one or two current document like mortage statement, lease agreement, utility bill (water/gas/electric), or payroll stub. Most be provided no later than the first day of school.
Birth Certificate	To verify the child's identity and age for grade placement.	Original or certified copy.
Immunization Record	To confirm compliance with state public health laws.	Must be current and complete according to the state’s required schedule.
Academic Records	Records from the student's previous school.	Required for older students, generally collected after registration.

Guidance for Families Relocating

BASIS Charter Schools makes the application process accessible for families moving to the area.

Contact Information for Registrars and Enrollment Teams

If you have specific questions about documents, waitlist status, or school tours, it is best to contact the campus.

Region	General Enrollment Inquiry Email	Schedule a Dedicated Call
Arizona (AZ), Louisiana (LA), Washington D.C. (DC)	[email protected]	Schedule a Call
Texas (TX)	[email protected]	Schedule a Call

To contact a specific campus: General school contact information, including phone numbers and emails for specific campuses are available on the individual school pages. To find your school, visit the find-a-school page.

Recommended: Visiting the School and Information Sessions

While not a requirement for admission, visiting the school is highly recommended to ensure the BASIS Charter School environment is the right fit for your family.