It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that the basis for enrollment and school assignment for each public school student is the student’s principal place of residence in the Seattle School District. The student’s principal place of residence is the home, house, apartment, facility, structure, or location, etc. where the student lives the majority of the time. Enrollment and school assignment are determined by the student assignment plan, pursuant to Superintendent Procedure 3130SP.  

To ensure that students are assigned to the appropriate school, the parent(s) or guardian(s) must provide two documents to verify residency at a specific address within the Seattle School District boundaries. Examples of appropriate documents include current telephone, utility or cable bills; lease or mortgage information; insurance documents; or documents from public agencies such as courts or the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Additional verification of guardianship and/or residence may be required.  

Generally the residence of a student is the principal abode of his or her parent(s) or legal guardian(s); exceptions are outlined below. The following locations do not constitute places of residence: secondary homes or other property (whether rented, leased or owned); places of business apart from primary residences; or addresses designated only for receipt of mail.  

Falsification of an address or residence (or conditions of living arrangement) to obtain a school assignment will be cause for revocation of the student’s school assignment and return to the proper school (if the student lives within the Seattle School District boundaries) or proper district (if the student lives outside the Seattle School District boundaries). 

Exceptions  

Students who live in a foster home, officially established group home to which they have been legally assigned, residential treatment center, or juvenile detention, are considered to be residents of the attendance area in which the foster home, group home, or other such facility is located.  

Students under the joint custody of separated or divorced parent(s) or guardian(s) are considered to be residents of the attendance area in which the student actually resides with a parent or guardian, subject to residence verification and the provisions of a parenting plan or divorce decree if applicable.  

Students 18 years of age or older not living under the care and custody of a parent/guardian, or legally emancipated minor students, are considered to be residents of the attendance area in which they reside, subject to comparable address verification required of parent(s) or guardian(s) for non-emancipated minor students.  

Students who are homeless are assigned pursuant to the requirements of federal law. 

International Students  

Pursuant to federal law, international (foreign) students in the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa may enroll in a Seattle Public Schools high school (grades 9-12) on a tuition basis for a period not in excess of twelve (12) months, as long as they live in the home of a permanent Seattle School District resident and are under the care and guardianship of that resident. Students are subject to standard assignment rules applicable to resident students.  

Pursuant to federal law, international (foreign) students in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa who are participating in a recognized student exchange program and living with a permanent Seattle School District resident may enroll in a Seattle Public Schools high school (grades 9-12) without payment of tuition. Students are subject to standard assignment rules applicable to resident students.  

The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service must be advised by the student any time an international (foreign) student transfers from the assigned school. If the student changes address without transferring from the assigned school or otherwise changes any of the conditions under which the original I-20 form was issued, the student is required to report such change to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.