What is a Buffer Zone
A buffer zone is an area where families may be assigned to more than one school. This means your home address falls between two schools, not just one.
When new students from a buffer zone register, the district carefully considers enrollment trends, available space, and other relevant factors at each nearby school to determine the best placement for the student.
Based on this information, the superintendent makes the final decision to keep class sizes balanced and place students in the best learning environment.
How Buffer Zone Assignments Work
1. Shared Boundary |
2. District Review |
3. Final Decision |
|---|---|---|
|
Your address may be in an area shared by two school zones. |
The district reviews enrollment trends, available space and other relevant factors. |
The Superintendent makes the final assignment decision based on the district's review. |
Goal: Balanced class sizes and the most appropriate educational environment for each student
| Sibling Placement | Enrollment Trends | Average Classroom Size | School-level Factors | Other Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Families with a sibling already enrolled in APS are prioritized to attend the same school. | Grade-level enrollment and projections help the district plan class sections across schools. | Classes are balanced to support student learning and staffing needs. | Schedules and building needs are considered to keep assignments practical and sustainable over time. | Additional district considerations or family circumstances may be reviewed as needed. |
Buffer Zone Map
How to identify a Buffer Zone on the map
Areas shown with two colors and diagonal shading indicate buffer zones, which represent shared boundaries between two schools.
Check Your Address
Check which school is associated with your address
Use the APS School Locator to see which school is linked to your address and whether your home is in a buffer zone. Just enter your address to view your school assignment and any buffer zone details.
What Families Can Expect
|
Register |
Review |
Assignment |
Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Complete your student’s online registration in the PowerSchool Enrollment Portal. The registration form includes a field where you may indicate your preferred school and briefly explain the reason for your preference. Please note: School preference is considered but does not guarantee placement. |
The district reviews enrollment trends, available space, and other key factors at nearby schools. Sibling note: If an older sibling currently attends a school, the younger sibling is typically assigned to the same school. This consideration does not apply if the older sibling will be entering Grade 6 or higher in the new school year. |
Based on this review, the Superintendent makes the final school assignment decision. Families will receive the school assignment notification from the district via email once it is finalized. |
After the assignment is finalized, families will receive the school assignment notification from the district via email. Please note: If a family is not satisfied with the assigned school, they may request the waitlist or apply through School Assignment Exception Form , subject to space availability at the school and approval by the Superintendent. |
