As you consider secondary school options for your child, we want you to know about the  Saint Paul Public Schools Student Placement Center, a one-stop information resource for parents. Whether a student is entering kindergarten, moving into the district, or changing schools, the Student Placement Center provides year-round services to help parents explore and select a school or program for their child. The staff also provides excellent service to non-English speaking students and parents.                                                                    

What is a secondary school and how do I apply?

Middle schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools offer a variety of focus areas, programs and activities, and all of them are designed to prepare students for success in high school and after graduation. Some schools include grades 7 and 8 as part of an extended elementary school program (K-8 and 1-8). Middle schools, junior high schools (grades 7-8) and high schools (grades 9-12) offer a number of program options and specialties.

All middle schools, junior high schools and senior high schools draw students from across the city and are part of the school district’s voluntary desegregation efforts. New students, or those changing schools, must apply to the school they wish to attend. Students are admitted based on applications, district guidelines and available space. Students who live within a school’s attendance area have first preference for acceptance into that school. Arlington High School has a citywide attendance area.

Once accepted, students may choose specialty programs offered at each school. However, all students must register for classes at their school, and for small learning communities offered at high schools.Students planning to stay at their current school next year do not need to apply. When students select a high school, it is wise to make a four-year commitment to that school.

An application is required for all middle, junior high and senior high schools.                                                                                                       

Due to a large number of students expected to enroll in 2008-2009, space will be limited at many schools. In order to increase the chance of securing a place for your child in the school of his or her preference, parents are encouraged to indicate their attendance area school as a first or second choice on the secondary application. For more information, call (651) 632-3761.

When is an application needed?

New secondary students or those changing schools must apply for their school of choice.  Download the senior high application. Additional copies of applications are available at your current school or by calling the Student Placement Center at (651) 632-3761.  Students planning on staying at their current school next year do not need to complete an application.

Because many students are expected to apply for a limited number of spaces in Saint Paul high schools, it is especially important that high school families apply by the February 29, 2008, application deadline. To increase their chances of securing a place for their child in a Saint Paul public high school of their choice, parents of students entering grades 9-12 are encouraged to indicate their child’s attendance area school as one of their two choices. 

Once accepted, students may choose specialty programs offered at each secondary school. However, all secondary students must register for classes.

An application is required for all secondary schools.