FAQ's, Lottery, & Waitlist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply for my student to attend AoA?
Any new student who wants to attend AoA should apply. If you are on the waitlist for the current school year, you will need to reapply for the upcoming school year. Our waitlist does not rollover from year to year. Students who currently attend The Academy of Alameda do not need to apply.
How do I apply?
Go to aoaschools.schoolmint.com/signup. You will need to create an account and then complete the application.
It is important to save and remember your SchoolMint Enroll login information. You can use your same login information to access your application at any time to make changes to your SchoolMint Enroll profile. You must include a cell phone number/email to receive updates.
If you forget your login or have trouble accessing your account, please call (510) 748-4017 for assistance.
What do I need to apply?
To complete your application online you will need basic information about your child, such as their birth date, current school, and grade, as well as information about your family, such as address, phone number, and guardian's name. No documents or more detailed information will need to be provided at this step.
When do I need to apply? When is the open enrollment period?
The open enrollment period for the 2025-26 school year is October 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026. Apply by January 31, 2026 to be considered for the 2026-27 school year lottery. Applications can still be submitted after January 31 and will go on a waitlist, but the later applications will not be considered for the initial February 4 lottery.
Does it matter when I submit my application?
All applications received during our open enrollment period will be considered equally for the lottery in accordance with our enrollment priorities. There is no advantage to submitting your application in October versus January, they will be considered the same.
Applications submitted after the open enrollment deadline will be placed on a waiting list after those who have applied during the open enrollment period. See the Lottery & Waitlist page for more information.
What happens if I miss the open enrollment deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you can still apply, however, your application will be placed on a waitlist after those who applied during the open enrollment period. See the Lottery & Waitlist section below for more information regarding our enrollment priorities.
I still have enrollment questions. Who can I contact?
For enrollment questions, please email [email protected] or call our office at 510-748-4017.
Lottery and Waitlist
The Academy of Alameda shall admit all students who wish to attend; however, if the number of pupils who wish to attend AoA exceeds the school’s capacity, admission, except for existing students of AoA, shall be determined by a public random drawing (lottery).
Lottery Logistics
Families who submitted completed application forms prior to the application deadline will be notified regarding the date, time, and location of the lottery, and rules for the lottery process. AoA’s lottery will be held at the school site if our campus can accommodate all interested parties. Parents and guardians do not have to be present at the lottery in order for their children to participate, and AoA will maintain auditable records of the above activities.
Our lottery for the 2026-27 school year is scheduled for February 4, 2026. Families will be notified if they have been offered or waitlisted on this date.
Public Random Drawing
Students who are exempt from a possible AoA lottery include:
- Children currently attending The Academy of Alameda
- Children of current AoA staff and board members (not to exceed 10% of AOA’s enrollment)
Waitlist Logistics
In accordance with Education Code Section 47605(d)(2)(B), admission preferences in the case of a lottery shall be given to the following students in the following order below:
- Residents of Alameda who are siblings of students admitted to or currently attending AoA
- Other residents of Alameda
- Other siblings of students admitted to or currently attending AoA
- All other students in the state of California
**Once the lottery is run, all students who did not get an offer will be placed on the waitlist in the order of priority above. All applicants who apply after the lottery is run are placed on the waitlist in their priority order. Based on your students original lottery priority, it is possible for students to move down on the waitlist when new applicants with a higher priority apply. If offers are declined, all students will move up on the waitlist. **