Seattle Public Schools has begun clearing waitlists at several high-demand schools, reversing years of stalled student movement that frustrated families and drove some to leave the district. The change follows mounting public pressure and new data showing that more than 450 students disenrolled after being denied their first-choice placement for the 2024–25 school year.

District officials say more than 2,500 students have now been offered spots in choice schools like Asa Mercer Middle School, Hazel Wolf K-8 STEM School, and Roosevelt High School. While most waitlist movement will be completed by the end of June, offers will continue through August.

Leaders say the district is reevaluating how it balances enrollment stability with family choice, including possible shifts to earlier application timelines and improved transportation access. No formal policy changes have been published yet, and parents are still pressing for clearer communication and assurances that added enrollment won’t come without needed staff.