My School DC Releases Results of Common Lottery System for the 2026-27 School Year

Today, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and My School DC announced the results of the public school lottery for pre-K to grade 12 for the 2026-27 school year.

There were 20,987 total applicants who participated in the public school lottery, an overall decrease of 6.5%, or 1,456 fewer applicants compared to last year. Of those total applications submitted, 74%, or 15,621 of all applicants were offered a seat at a school to which they applied. For the 15,621 applicants who received a match, 63% (9,864) matched to their number one ranked school, and 86% (13,497) matched to one of their top three school choices.

Families received lottery results for their students today, Friday, March 27 and must enroll at their matched schools by Friday, May 1 to accept their lottery match.

"Our schools deliver rigorous and enriching opportunities-from language immersion and STEM to career and technical education and the arts," said State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell. "Families utilize the lottery to make school choices for their children because they recognize the strength of so many DC education programs and the meaningful learning experiences they create.

Since 2013, the My School DC common lottery system has simplified the public school application process, making it easier for thousands of families each year to apply to more than 200 District of Columbia Public Schools and public charter schools across the District. Applicants submit a ranked list of up to 12 choices and students are matched to schools on their list based on three factors: the number of available spaces at each school; sibling, in-boundary, and other lottery preferences; and each student's random lottery number. Students are also waitlisted at schools ranked above where they are matched.

Families still interested in additional school options may submit a post-lottery application by visiting MySchoolDC.org.

For more information or assistance with lottery results, enrollment questions, or other support, families may contact My School DC:

• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline: (202) 888-6336 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Language interpretation available).