Open Enrollment and Peterson + Program
What is the Peterson + Program?
Peterson + is an alternative 6th grade program that serves as a one year transition from a Basics approach to the eventual heterogeneous format found in Santa Clara Unified's other middle and high schools.
Students will be assigned to Peterson + classes through a fair and random lottery process.
Peterson + provides a different approach to 6th grade curriculum in Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies.
- Science is taught to all 6th grade students by teachers who hold Single Subject teaching credentials in Science.
- Math classes for all 6th grade students will be determined by a "multiple measures matrix" placement.
Peterson + is designed for the student who wants extra challenge and rigor. Characteristics of a student that will thrive in this program include someone who is self-driven, an avid learner, wanting to rise to challenges, and able to think critically. Students in the Peterson + Program may have extra homework. Please consider middle school choices carefully.
Please review the Peterson + Program Slideshow for more information.
Peterson + 2023-2024 Open Enrollment Process
The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees has established a policy of limited Open Enrollment. Although some of our schools are already at capacity, this policy allows families who reside within the boundaries of the district to request enrollment of their children at "any District school which may have space available for additional students." Admittance to the school of your choice under the Open Enrollment process is done by an annual random lottery system. If you applied last year and were not admitted, you will need to reapply again this year if you want to be considered for your school of choice.
Prior to applying for Open Enrollment, please refer to the District's School Finder and visit the District website for more information about the registration process. Please direct any enrollment questions to the Enrollment Center at 408-423-3596 or send an email to enrollment@scusd.net
See the SCUSD Registration Home Page for all of your registration needs. Follow the step by step instructions for applying for Open Enrollment on the SCUSD Open Enrollment webpage; details are under "Step by Step Guidelines for Open Enrollment."
Peterson Information: Please review our 2023-2024 Peterson Open Enrollment Video and Slides for information about Peterson Middle School, our programs, and Open Enrollment. La versión en español de las diapositivas y el video de Inscripción Abierta están vinculados en el cuadro de Recursos a la izquierda.
Peterson + 2023-2024 Open Enrollment Process
The Peterson Plus Lottery will be opened at 9 a.m. on March 20, 2023, and end at 4:00 p.m. on March 31, 2023. You will be notified of the status of your Peterson Plus application no later than April 7, 2023. See the SCUSD Open Enrollment webpage and the Step-By-Step Guide for more information.
- For families who do not live within Peterson Middle attendance area, you must first apply for the First Round Open Enrollment to enter the lottery for Peterson Middle School.
Please direct any enrollment questions to the Enrollment Center at 408-423-3596 or send an email to enrollment@scusd.net
All Incoming 6th Grade Middle School Students
Please read the SCUSD 2023-2024 Transition to Middle School letter.
Students who plan to attend their school of residence need take no further action at this time, with the exception of residents requesting the Peterson + Program. Your student's information will automatically be transferred to your middle school of residence.
Please review our 2023-2024 incoming student welcome video (slides pdf). Diapositivas de presentación de bienvenida para estudiantes entrantes 2023-2024 / Video de presentación de bienvenida para estudiantes entrantes 2023-2024. This presentation will answer some common questions regarding 6th grade math placement, music signups, and enrollment in the Peterson Plus program. We will conclude with next steps for the transition to middle school.
We will be hosting an in-person 6th grade/new student Parent Night on May 17 once acceptance letters for Open Enrollment and Peterson Plus have been confirmed.
