Magnet Program Requirements:

• To be eligible for the River Okas Elementary Vanguard Magnet lottery, students must be identified as Gifted and Talented (G/T) in both subject areas - reading/social studies and math/science. Students who are tested and identified as G/T for Entering Kinergarten are automatically considered qualified in all areas.

Elegibility Scenarios:

• Current HISD G/T students (identified in all areas): Automatically qualify for the ROE Vanguard Magnet lottery.
• Former HISD G/T students (identified in all areas): After submitting your applicatio, please email a copy of your HISD G/T qualification matrix to ana.garza@houstonisd.org
• Non-HISD G/T students: After submitting your application, please email your G/T documentation (matrix, test scores, and letter of acceptance) to ana.garza@houstonisd.org. HISD's G/T Committee will review all submitted documentation to confirm eligibility before the lottery.

Steps to Apply:

• Go to the School Choice Website
• In SchoolFinder, enter your address to determine if you live within HISD boundaries
• Click the School Choice application link
• Login/Create a Salesforce account
• Select schools
• Submit applications and upload any required documents
• Complete all "Next Steps"

K -12 School Choice Application Key Dates:

• 12/09/25: Phase One Application Opens. Parents rank up to 10 choices in the application.
• 02/27/26: Phase One Application is Due (all rankings and required documents must be submitted)
• 04/08/26: Lottery Notification Date
• 04/08/26: Phase Two Application Opens
• 04/21/26: Phase One School Acceptance Deadline
• 5 Calendar Days from Offer Date: Phase Two Offer Acceptance Deadline
• One week before school opens: Phase Two Application Closes

Application Phases:

• Phase I: Lottery – Parents rank options and apply. HISD runs a lottery to determine which students get a seat. Students who do not receive a seat are waitlisted at all schools ranked higher than the one where the seat was offered.
• Phase II: Space Available - Parents who apply will be added to existing waitlists established during Phase I or will be offered seats at campuses where there is space available. Students may still be offered a seat at a campus if space opens until the end of Phase 2. At the end of this phase, waitlists are retired. Current HISD students can no longer apply once this phase closes.
• Note: All K to 12th grade students should apply during Phase 1 of the application timeline. This includes out of district and/or students new to the district, as all applicants will be considered for the Phase 1 lottery.

Documentation Needed:

• Current Immunization Record
• Child's Birth Certificate
• Social Security card for each child, if applicable
• Proof of residency (3 forms): a current utility bill (gas, water, or electric), lease/rental contract or mortgage documentation, AND a Texas State ID for the child's parent/legal guardian. Addresses on all documentation must match.
• Report card or transcript from the child's last school
• HISD Gifted and Talented Matrix or GT Transfer Letter

Tips for Applying:

• Rank schools in true order of your preference.
• Apply during Phase I for the best chance of securing a seat.
• Use all 10 school choices - this will not affect your chances negatively.
• You will keep your current school seat unless you choose to accept an offer at another campus.

School Choice Resources:

• School Choice Phone: 713-556-6734 (Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm)
• School Choice Email: schoolchoice@houstonisd.org
• For questions about River Oaks' Vanguard Magnet Program or GT eligibility, contact Ana Garza: ana.garza@houstonisd.org