Choice Programs

Visit the Information Meetings page for a list of upcoming Choice Programs meetings

Hoover Elementary School

The Hoover approach to learning includes a balance of explicit direct instruction coupled with structured, student-centered activities that increase the depth of student learning and the complexity of their thinking. Student success is fostered through the clear articulation of academic expectations combined with differentiated support and the routine practice of effective communication skills and study habits. Staff and parents also collaborate to provide varied social and emotional learning experiences intended to support each child in realizing his/her full potential.

Ohlone Elementary School

Ohlone's open school philosophy focuses on developmental education. Classrooms emphasize open-ended activities, personalized instruction, and peer tutoring. Teachers facilitate academic, social, and emotional learning.

Mandarin Chinese Dual Immersion Program

The Mandarin Chinese Dual Immersion Program at Ohlone is designed to develop full bilingualism in both Mandarin and English. English-speaking students and native Mandarin speakers are taught together using Mandarin and English instruction to develop bilingual academic fluency. The program begins in kindergarten and continues through fifth grade, with the option to continue through middle school (see below information). The program aims to:

• Develop bilingual proficiency and literacy in Mandarin and English
• Promote academic achievement at or above grade level in both languages
• Foster positive cross-cultural attitudes

Spanish Dual Immersion Program

The Spanish Dual Immersion Program at Escondido is designed to develop full bilingualism in both Spanish and English. English-speaking students and native Spanish speakers are taught together using Spanish and English instruction to develop bilingual academic fluency. The program begins in kindergarten and continues through fifth grade, with the option to continue through middle school (see below information). The program aims to:

• Develop bilingual proficiency and literacy in Spanish and English
• Promote academic achievement at or above grade level in both languages
• Foster positive cross-cultural attitudes

Visit the Important Dates page for a list of upcoming Choice Programs meetings

Connections (offered at J. L. Stanford Middle School)

The JLS Connections Program is a learning community of students, teachers, and parents where hearts and minds are inspired through inquiry-based instruction -- focused on student choice, cross-curricular units, collaboration, and presentation -- fostering self-directed, reflective, global citizens.

The program emphasizes:

• Connecting to self- Students participate in decision-making and learn to take responsibility for their own progress by setting goals, taking risks, and using self-reflection.
   
• Connecting to knowledge- Through project-based learning, students gain and practice the higher order and critical thinking skills necessary for analyzing, creating, and problem solving. Students choose topics of interest and follow their passions, exploring real-world problems and solutions.
   
• Connecting to community- Students work in self-directed groups fostering collaborative learning and positive social interactions. Students develop their skills as collaborators, facilitators, and leaders, with an emphasis on social justice and global citizenship. Students have opportunities to publicly present what they've learned in community settings.

Learn more about Connections

Mandarin Bridge Program (offered at Greene Middle School)

The Mandarin Bridge Program at Greene Middle School is a three-year program that bridges the Mandarin Immersion Program at Ohlone Elementary with the advanced Mandarin language classes offered at the high school level. The classes focus on the four elements of language acquisition: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This program is taught primarily in the target language with the understanding that students have various levels of fluency and proficiency levels in reading, writing and listening. Students are exposed to culture, literature, and language structures needed to be successful in high-academic Mandarin level classes.

Note: Students are eligible to enroll in this program if they have successfully completed the elementary Mandarin Immersion program. Other applicants will be accepted by demonstrating grade level bilingual fluency in Mandarin through an assessment process; contact Greene Middle School for details.

Spanish Bridge Program (offered at Greene Middle School)

The Spanish Bridge Program at Greene Middle School is a three-year program that bridges the Spanish Immersion Program at Escondido Elementary with the advanced Spanish language classes offered at the high school level. The classes focus on the four elements of language acquisition: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This program is taught primarily in the target language with the understanding that students have various levels of fluency and proficiency levels in reading, writing and listening. Students are exposed to culture, literature, and language structures needed to be successful in high-academic Spanish level classes.

Note: Students are eligible to enroll in this program if they have successfully completed the elementary Spanish Immersion program. Other applicants will be accepted by demonstrating grade level bilingual fluency in Spanish through an assessment process; contact Greene Middle School for details.

Sustainability for All (offered at Fletcher Middle School)

Fletcher’s Sustainability for All program creates opportunities for students to explore ways to take equitable action to promote a flourishing environment where people and living things access healthy food, clean air, and safe water.

• Students participate in core classes and develop awareness through leadership and broadcast course outreach, assemblies, electives, and field trips.
• Deepen the work through multiple avenues available during and after school, community service projects, and field trips.
• Strengthen articulation to high school pathway programs within PAUSD
• Build community and global awareness and learn through real-world experiences and applications.
• Receive community service recognition (similar to the Seal of Civic Engagement); awarded at the high school level.

All Fletcher Students Participate

• Embedded into core classes: Science, HSS, English, Math, and 6th Grade Wheel.
• Topics emerge from student interest, current events, & CDE Frameworks/Standards.
• Guest Speakers and Assemblies
• Grade-level field trips and assemblies expose students to real-world applications of learning through industry partnerships and workplace experiences. Examples of field trips:
  • 6th-Grade – Outdoor Overnight Science Camp NatureBridge Golden Gate
  • 7th- Grade – California Academy of Science
  • 8th-Grade - TBD

Additional Opt-In Options – Deeper Learning

• Community Service opportunities – on and off campus
• Partnerships with community groups, Gunn HS, Stanford, City of Palo Alto, Acterra, Canopy, and more
• Electives to focus on specific issues, such as reducing food waste or recycling e-waste

Student outside the Fletcher attendance zone may apply for our Sustainability for All Choice Program at all grade levels (6-8). Since Fletcher Middle School naturally feeds into Gunn High School, students who live in the Palo Alto High School (Paly) neighborhood boundaries that chose to continue their learning through the Gunn HS Pathways, may continue through Gunn, regardless of neighborhood school. If their neighborhood high school is Paly, students can return to Paly for their high school experience.

A lottery will be held if the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available. Parents of students who apply for this program will receive notification of their acceptance or waitlist status via email.

For more information – see the PAUSD Board Report and Presentations.

• Fletcher Middle School Choice Program Proposal – Approved
• Sustainability for All – Fletcher Theme School & Choice Program
• Fletcher Sustainability Webpage

When there are more applications than seats available for a Choice Program, a lottery will be held to select incoming kindergartners and rising sixth grade students for elementary and middle school programs. Only one application to one program per student may be submitted.

Families interested in applying for the lottery should note the following:

• Parents are highly recommended to attend any or all Information Nights for all programs before applying to a choice program.
• New students who have completed a registration with PAUSD are eligible to apply.
• Currently enrolled rising kindergarten and sixth grade students are eligible to apply.
• Applications must be submitted for students of siblings concurrently enrolled in a Choice Program, and students of PAUSD employees.

If the seat is accepted, the student's seat at the neighborhood school is forfeited.

If your student is receiving special education services, placement into a choice program will be determined in a transition/IEP meeting.

Visit the Information Meetings page for a list of upcoming Choice Programs meetings.

Choice Program Application

Open January 20-February 20

Applications: January 20, 2026 through February 20, 2026 4:00 PM
Choice Program Lottery: Friday, February 27, 2026

The lotteries will be held in Boardroom of the PAUSD District Office located at 25 Churchill Ave.

Notifications of the lottery results will go out to families by February 27, 2026.

Families must reply to registrationservices@pausd.org with their decision by Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Waitlists are created during the kindergarten and 6th grade lotteries; students who missed the lottery, or who are entering PAUSD in a grade other than kindergarten or 6th grade, can submit a request to be added to the Choice Program Waitlist. Students who are disenrolled from PAUSD will be removed
from the Choice Program enrollment and waitlist.

Please note that the waitlist will move with the cohort.

• 2025-26 Choice Program Waitlist is currently open.
• 2026-27Choice Program Waitlist will open on March 4, 2026.

When vacancies arise in Choice Programs during the year, offers for admission are made to students on the waitlist.