Photo space: Two-Way Dual Language
Pre-K, Elementary & Secondary
Two-Way Dual Language
Learn in English and Spanish while building language skills and connections across cultures.
Explore Dual LanguageLearn more about programmingCHOICE IN SBISD
More possibilities. A future shaped around your child.
SBISD Choice gives families the option to apply to specialized programs and schools beyond their zoned campus. Explore learning experiences built around your child’s interests, strengths, and goals, and find the right fit for them to thrive.
2027-28 applications open Nov. 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Apply by Jan. 22, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
Photo space: students learning together
Find your fit
Explore your Choice options.
SBISD Choice gives families the option to apply to specialized programs and schools beyond their zoned campus. Explore learning experiences built around your child’s interests, strengths and goals, and find the right fit for them to thrive.
Photo space: Westchester Academy for International Studies
Choice campus
Westchester Academy for International Studies
Explore a combined middle and high school campus offering International Baccalaureate programming.
Explore WestchesterPhoto space: Cornerstone Academy
Choice campus
Cornerstone Academy
Get to know Cornerstone’s academic experience, school community and application requirements.
Explore CornerstoneTwo-Way Dual Language: program & participating schools
Two languages. Shared learning.
Two-Way Dual Language
Students who are learning English and students proficient in English learn together in English and Spanish. The program supports bilingualism, biliteracy and understanding of different cultures.
Contact a participating school to learn about entry grades, eligibility and the experience at that campus.
Your next step
Choice Application
The School Choice Application is for SBISD’s Choice Programs, including Two-Way Dual Language, Westchester Academy for International Studies and Cornerstone Academy.
Choice Program Application Timeline — In-district families & SBISD Employees
For in-district families and SBISD employees. All times are Central.
- Nov. 2, 2026Application opens at 9:00 a.m.
- Jan. 22, 2027Application closes at 11:59 p.m.
- Feb. 5, 2027Choice lottery
- Feb. 19, 2027Choice lottery results sent
- March 15, 2027Deadline for parents to accept or decline offers
- March 29, 2027Late application window opens for select schools
- June 10, 2027Late application window closes
Application process & eligibility
SBISD’s School Choice Application is used to apply for Dual Language programs, Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) and Cornerstone Academy.
Eligibility: During the initial application window, applications are open to families living within SBISD boundaries and SBISD employees, regardless of residency. Out-of-district families may apply if seats remain available after the initial application window closes.
How to apply
- Log in or create an account through PowerSchool (opens in a new tab).
- Complete the application for the upcoming school year. Returning PowerSchool users should review and update their information. Applications can be saved and completed later.
- Submit your application before the deadline. Some programs require additional documentation.
Parents or guardians must submit an online application by the published deadline. No changes are allowed once the application window closes. Families will receive status updates through PowerSchool by text, email or both. If offered a seat, log in to PowerSchool to accept or decline by the designated deadline.
Additional requirements: Cornerstone Academy
Applicants must submit their first-semester report card, covering all grading periods through December, before the application deadline.
- Drop off at the Cornerstone office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Email: csareportcards@springbranchisd.com
Important: Applications to Cornerstone will be withdrawn if required report cards are not received by the deadline.
Additional requirements: Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS)
Applicants must submit their first-semester report card before the application deadline.
- Drop off at the WAIS office, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Email: Bruce.Hill@springbranchisd.com
Students applying to the WAIS Dual Language program must currently attend an SBISD or equivalent Dual Language program. Applicants may select either the Two-Way Dual Language or International Baccalaureate program, but not both.
Important: Applications to WAIS will be withdrawn if required report cards are not received by the deadline.
Understand the process
Choice Program Procedures & Guidelines
1. Application priorities
Lottery priorities include:
- Eligible, full-time SBISD employees applying to the school where they work, regardless of residency.
- Siblings of students enrolled at the same school for the upcoming school year.
Applying for twins or triplets
Families applying to the same Choice School may select one of two options:
- One lottery number: All children share one lottery number and are accepted together if selected.
- Individual lottery numbers: Each child receives a separate lottery number and may receive different results.
2. Students with disabilities
For students with disabilities, the 504 or ARD committee determines required services and placement based on the student’s current IEP or 504 plan. A lottery invitation will be denied if the committee recommends services at another school.
3. How the lottery works
SBISD uses an automated lottery system certified by the district’s public accountant to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
Students receive one of two results:
- Offer: The student receives an invitation to attend a Choice School.
- Waitlist: The student receives a numbered position on the school’s waitlist, visible to families.
Waitlists and late applications
- Waitlists remain active through the first three weeks of the school year.
- Schools extend additional offers in waitlist order as seats become available.
- Applications received after the lottery is certified are placed at the bottom of each school’s waitlist, regardless of priority status.
4. Lottery result examples
A student applies to three schools: Blue (first choice), Yellow (second choice) and Green (third choice).
Scenario 1: First choice offered
- Blue School: Offer
- Yellow School: Application canceled
- Green School: Application canceled
When a student receives an offer from their first-choice school, applications to lower-ranked schools are canceled.
Scenario 2: Third choice offered
- Blue School: Waitlist #101
- Yellow School: Waitlist #23
- Green School: Offer
The student may accept Green School’s offer while remaining on the waitlists for Blue and Yellow through the first three weeks of the school year.
Answers for families
Frequently asked questions
What is the School Choice Application for?
The School Choice Application is for programs that require a lottery for admission. Use it to apply for SBISD’s Choice Programs listed above.
What about siblings?
If the student applying to a choice campus/program currently has a sibling enrolled in the same choice campus/program and will be enrolled in the same choice campus/program the following year, the student will have sibling priority. You will indicate the sibling's name and school in your Choice Application.
What are the academic requirements for Cornerstone Academy (CSA) and Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS)?
Math at CSA and WAIS is only offered at the Advanced Academic Course (AAC) level with limited spots available in seventh and eighth grade. The admission of seventh and eighth grade students who are not currently in an AAC math class is subject to a score of 80 or above on the appropriate credit-by-exam math test to determine readiness for advanced math courses in these grades.
How many schools can I apply for?
You can apply for up to three Choice schools. When choosing Westchester, you may only choose one program for your student (Westchester IB or Westchester Dual Language).
Who can apply to a Dual Language program?
In-district families and SBISD employees may apply during the initial application window. Out-of-district families may apply if seats remain afterward. Cedar Brook and Sherwood begin at pre-K; Pine Shadows begins at kindergarten. Entry beyond pre-K or kindergarten has additional requirements. Contact the campus for guidance.
Can I switch Dual Language programs after the first year?
No, you cannot switch between programs or dual language schools during or after the first year. You can return to your zoned resident campus. If your zoned resident campus has a dual language program, you cannot switch to that program.
Is bus transportation provided?
Contact the school with questions about transportation for your child. The district FAQ states that transportation is provided for students zoned to the school; confirm arrangements with the campus.
My child is on the waitlist. What do I do?
Log in to PowerSchool to see your child’s waitlist number. Schools offer available seats in waitlist order. Accept or decline an offer through PowerSchool by the designated deadline. Waitlists remain active through the first three weeks of the school year. A student who accepts a lower-ranked school’s offer may remain on the waitlists for higher-ranked schools during that period.
Need help?
Contact the campus for program questions or call SBISD at 713-464-1511 for help finding the right contact.
New to Spring Branch ISD?
Find enrollment options, required documents and support for your family.