Application FAQs
What is the process for enrollment?
Everest Value School is a LAUSD Charter school, open to anyone of school-going age, and for new incoming students, applications for admission are decided by lottery draw. You can apply year-round, but a spot at Everest Value School is not guaranteed.
When is the lottery?
If there are more student applications than available spaces within a given grade level, a lottery will be held. The lottery is held on the second Thursday each February. A waitlist will form in the order the applications are received. Spots are not guaranteed, but you do not have to be present for the drawing to be accepted to the school.
Who is present at the lottery?
The principal of Everest Value School leads the drawing, and is assisted by an Administrative Assistant. Anyone who is interested is welcome and encouraged to attend.
After filling out the application, when will I know if my child has been selected to attend Everest Value School?
You may participate in the lottery drawing, and you will also receive a letter from Everest Value School acknowledging you have been accepted within two weeks.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. As soon as all available spots are filled, families are placed on the waiting list in the order they were selected during the lottery drawing.
Do I have a better chance of getting in if I apply more than once?
No. Applying more than once does not provide you with a better chance of being accepted to Everest Value School.
Does anyone get priority in the drawing?
Siblings of students currently enrolled in Everest Value School and students related to Everest Value School staff have priority on the waitlist and will be offered a space before other applicants during the lottery. However, siblings of students currently enrolled who apply after the lottery is held will be placed at the end of the waiting list after non-siblings.
Registration
Before a student attends the school for the first time, a Registration Form must be completed for that student to complete the admissions process. The school secretary notifies those selected for admission, in the order of their lottery draw. If the secretary is unable to reach a parent directly, the secretary will leave a message asking the parent to call for an appointment. If the parent fails to respond within two business days, that student loses his/her place and is moved to the end of the waiting list.
At the time of the contact an appointment is scheduled for the parent to complete the Registration Form. If the parent fails to keep the appointment and does not reschedule, that student loses his/her place and is moved to the end of the waiting list. Appropriate accommodations are made for parents/guardians who cannot attend an appointment, including submitting the Registration Form by mail.
As noted in “Admissions Process” above, attendance at the lottery is not required for admission to the Charter School. Parents may contact the Charter School main office to learn the outcome of their child’s lottery application, i.e., admission or place on a waiting list.
What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
As a way to enhance its academic focus in early childhood education, Everest is excited to announce that it will be starting its first Transitional Kinder (TK) classroom for the 2019-2020 school year. The goal for this new TK classroom is to create a safe and nurturing space for children to learn how to interact with their surroundings, communicate and express themselves to others and foster a love of learning at a young age.
What is Transitional Kindergarten? California law (EC 48000) defines TK as “the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.” In the past, Everest has modified the Kindergarten curriculum in the regular Kindergarten classroom.
Who is a TK student? Any student who will have his or her fifth birthday between September 2 and December 2 will be entered into the TK lottery of that same school year.
My child has special needs. Do I need to let you know that before applying?
Absolutely not! Simply apply, and once you are accepted you will be asked to provide your child's IEP file and Everest Value School will make the appropriate accommodations.
If we are accepted to Everest Value School, what can my incoming kindergartener or TK expect?
Everest Value School employs an evaluation for incoming kindergarten and TK students. Parents and students alike will have ample time to meet staff and participate in a parent and student orientations. More information about these orientations will be provided at the lottery drawings.
If you have questions you can contact Everest Value School's Principal, Christopher W. Medinger.