Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application process for Kindergarten Lottery Programs?
Please read the information found on the How to Apply Online page.

When should I apply for the Kindergarten Lottery Programs?
After you have registered your child for your local catchment school.

How do I find out which catchment area I live in?
Please visit this page: School Locator

What documentation do I need when I register my child for my local catchment school?
PART ONE: Required documentation (does not have to be from British Columbia)

Photo identification for the parent/guardian such as: Driver's License, Passport, Photo BC Services Card, BCID card;
A declaration of citizenship status of the parent/guardian to be completed online in Vivos or in person. (e.g., Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, Refugee, Active Visas: Study, Clergy, Visitor/Tourist.);
- If the family indicates Visitor/Tourist on the declaration of citizenship, the school will contact the Welcome Centre for support.
Evidence of legal guardianship (as shown on child's birth certificate, or other appropriate legal documentation, such as, landed immigrant document or guardianship order);
Evidence of birth date for the student (e.g., birth certificate or passport).

PART TWO: Evidence of residence for the parent/guardian in British Columbia

Valid government issued documentation showing the address of residence with the name of ordinarily resident parent/guardian (e.g., BC Driver's License, BC Services card, BCID or ICBC vehicle registration document, etc.).

What happens when I apply for my child to be in a Kindergarten Lottery Program school after the online application system closes?
Your child will be placed at the bottom of the waitlist for the Kindergarten Lottery Program school you want.

How do I apply for my twins or siblings of the same birth year?
You will need to submit a separate application for each sibling or twin.

How does the lottery system work?
Applications are assigned a random lottery position. The order in which the applications are submitted does not impact the lottery positions.

If a parent is offered their first choice school, they will be removed from all other choices (as they have already received what they asked for).
If a parent is offered their second choice school (but not the first), they remain on the waitlist for the first choice and are removed from any lower choices.
If a parent is offered their third choice school (but not first or second), they remain on the waitlists for both the first and the second choices.

When will the results of the lottery be available?
Schools will begin emailing offers to families in the random lottery order approximately one week after the lottery closes.

How will a Kindergarten Lottery Program seat be formally accepted?
Families will have two business days to reply to the email to accept or reject an offered seat. After that time, the offer will expire, and the seat will be offered to the next applicant.

Do I need a computer to apply?
Yes. If you do not have a computer at home, you can access a computer at any of the following places:

Public Library
A friend or family's house
Use your mobile phone

Do I need an e-mail address to apply?
Yes. All correspondence, including the offering of seats and waitlist status, are sent to an applicant’s e-mail address.

If my child is put on the waitlist for a school, when will we know if we might get in?
If a seat opens up and you are the highest on the waitlist, you will receive an e-mail with an option to accept or reject that seat. You will have two business days to respond to an offer.

Is there transportation provided for Programs of Choice?
No, transportation is not provided. If you choose a program outside your designated catchment area, it is your responsibility to arrange transportation to and from the school.

Where can I learn more about French Immersion and support for parents from outside organizations?
The Canadian Parents for French (CPF) provides information for parents on French programs in general. You can find them here:

Surrey Chapter – https://www.facebook.com/CanadianParentsForFrenchSurreyChapter
Provincial Office for CPF for BC and Yukon Branch – www.cpf.bc.ca