School Choice

OCTOBER 13, 2025- DECEMBER 5, 2025

The High School Choice process is for current or incoming 8th grade students to select and then rank high school pathway programs of interest.

Parent / Caregiver will login to the ParentVUE account Beginning November 10, 2025 at 9:00am. The application is not a “first come, first served” process. Applications are NOT processed on a “first come, first served basis.” All on-time applications are considered equally.

The application closes on December 12, 2025 at 4pm. Only one School Choice application may be submitted for a student.  Applications are NOT processed on a “first come, first served basis.” All on-time applications are considered equally.

Most LBUSD pathway programs are open to all students however a few pathways require a minimum criteria based on Academic GPA, enrollment in Algebra 1 and or standardized test scores (SBAC or equivalent).  Please visit the School of Choice website under the Resources Tab to find the complete list of requirements for all pathways. Contact your school counselor for more details.

Changes can be made at anytime before December 12, 2025 at 4:00pm.  Parent / Caregiver may make changes to the online application by clicking the certify button to “de-certify” and go back through the application to make any changes. Once changes are made, a parent must “re-certify” the application by clicking the button.  No change will be made to an application after the deadline.

Here are the Step by Step Directions:

• Login to ParentVUE and open the School of Choice Application

• Go to Step 8 - Retype your name.  The box below your name will change color

• Click the Toggle button to “No”  to de-certify the application

• Click backwards through the application to make the necessary changes. 

• Go to Step 8.  Review your new selections

• Retype your name to certify your choices

• Move the toggle button to “Yes” to lock in your choices,  Click “Next” and Finish

Grade Point Average, or GPA is reflects your academic performance across core courses.  Each letter grade corresponds to a number on a 0-4 scale:

• A (90-100%) = 4.0
• B (80-89%) = 3.0
• C (70-79%) = 2.0
• D (60-69%) = 1.0
• F (below 60%) - 0.0 

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) School of Choice process considers the academic grades from 6th grade and 7th grade as well as the math level for the current 8th grade year.  Most of our high school pathway programs do require a minimum GPA, however, some of the pathway programs do require a minimum GPA and other minimum requirements.

LBUSD will evaluate your transcript to match closely with the courses and grades of our current students. LBUSD evaluates courses based on the following academic subjects:  

• English / Language Arts 
• Mathematics 
• Science 
• Social Science
• Up to 2 Academic Electives (Robotics, Music, Student Council, etc) 

Also, please note the following guidelines: 

• The Physical Education grade can be reflected in the overall GPA, but is not used in calculating academic GPA. 
• Weighted grades are not considered.  For example, a grade in an “Honors” course is worth the same value as a general course. 
• A grade with a plus or a minus attached does not change the value of the grade. For example a B- grade is worth 3 points.
•  “Algebra” must be listed as the course title on the report cards / transcript in order to meet the requirements for some pathway programs. “Math 8” or “Pre-Algebra” will not satisfy that requirement.

Parents will be able to view their student’s placement on the High School Choice Application  through their ParentVUE account. Parents are notified via school messenger that the final placements will be viewable.

Grade Point Average (GPA) and Standardized Test Scores are valid indicators of student success upon entry into high school. LBUSD acknowledges that 8th-grade students transitioning from private or non-public schools may not meet all minimum requirements for certain pathway programs.

Students who do not meet the minimum requirements upon entering 9th grade may appeal their placement based on space availability at the following times:

1. During the School of Choice notification period: Please use the link provided on ParentVUE under the School of Choice tab.  Click on the link under the  “Notification of Assignment” for appeal information.

2. During the Spring semester of 9th grade: Students may apply for a School of Choice transfer for placement in grades 10-12 with the Secondary Schools Office.

It is important to note that all students in pathway programs have access to accelerated courses, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) options

Transportation is not provided to any school of choice with the exception of students with disabilities that are eligible for services as specified in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  The student must also select a pathway program at their school of residence.

LBUSD accepts Interdistrict Permits (IDPs) from students who live outside of the LBUSD boundaries and wish to attend high school in Long Beach.  Acceptance or denial of the Interdistrict Permit is determined by the availability of space at the requested school. 

For more information, please click on this link:  Interdistrict Attendance Permits