When should I start my school search process?
The time to choose a school for the next year happens much earlier than you think—so it’s a good idea to start the Fall before you plan to attend. Check out our Enrollment Timelines page to learn more.
Do I need to attend my neighborhood school?
In a nutshell, no! While your neighborhood school may end up being an excellent option for your child, in WA state we have some school choice. This means that you can attend a school beyond your neighborhood school. This could be another school in your district, a public charter school, or even a school in another district. We believe every family should explore the available options for their child, and the Washington School Finder is a great place to start!
When will my area be added to Washington School Finder?
We plan to have every public school in the state listed by December of 2028. Here is our anticipated timeline for additional areas:
December 2025: Bellevue, Federal Way, Highline, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Mercer Island, Northshore, and Vashon Island
December 2026: Remainder of King County
December 2027: Spokane
December 2028: Remainder of the state
Excellent Schools Washington (ESWA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to innovative, student-centered education options that drive academic success and long-term opportunities. By fostering a diverse ecosystem of high-quality public education choices, we can empower families and communities to find the best fit for their children’s educational needs.
Welcome to the Washington School Finder!
This year, we are including the following districts: Bellevue, Federal Way, Highline, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Mercer Island, Northshore, and Vashon Island.
We plan to include the remainder of King County by December 2026 and the entirety of WA state by December 2028!
¡Bienvenidos al Buscador de Escuelas de Washington!
Este año, incluimos los siguientes distritos: Bellevue, Federal Way, Highline, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Mercer Island, Northshore y Vashon Island.
Planeamos incluir el resto del condado de King para diciembre de 2026 y todo el estado de WA para diciembre de 2028.