Also, don't give up. You may not get into your top schools the first year. Just keep trying. Though, tie up your camel - you may never get into your top choices so have a backup plan (move, pay for private, try out the neighborhood school and maybe be pleasantly surprised).

Also, try not to stress too much. These things do tend to work out eventually.

Thanks everyone!

In general, your chances of getting in to the most popular charters or popular DCPS as OOB are fairly limited. Someone does have to “win” the lottery, so it’s of course worth a shot, but best to have a backup plan because it is likely that everyone else who doesn’t like their IB option is putting down roughly the same picks as you are.

Good luck!

If DCPS, you should post in the DCPS forum for more advice.

There's only so much you can do. Think about your options for private preschools, nanny, au pair, or whatever. Preschool is super important generally but its also not the end-all-be-all for your child's future.

Post and/or search in the forum for where you live to get the best info. And if you are seeking out parents of PK3 and PK4 students, then the Elementary School forum won't help you.

Greetings everyone. I was wondering if some of you who recently went through the school lottery would share your experience with me; preferably parents with children entering into Pre-k 3 and 4. I find myself having severe anxiety about this process as my son will be attending school next year and I believe that the application needs to be completed in December. I have been researching schools for some time and I've narrowed it down to a few schools that I want him to attend, but they're all popular schools, so IDK if he will get into them. I want him in a safe, diverse school that does very well academically. I DO NOT want him to attend the neighborhood school. Please share your experience with me and offer any tips and/or advice that you may have. Thanks in advance.

-G