Administration and Finance
Commissioner's Office
District Support
Educational Options
Instructional Support
Kaleidoscope Collective
Legal
Planning and Research
Strategic Initiatives
Student Assessment
MGL 603 CMR 8.00: Kindergartens: Minimum School Age
Below you will find information about lottery policies and guidance on tuition and related tuition policies.
State law does not require school districts to conduct a lottery for admission to full-day K. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education previously required the use of a lottery as a requirement for a grant program, which is no longer funded; an admissions lottery for oversubscribed programs continues to be a recommended best practice. In conducting admissions, districts must reserve sufficient spaces for students with disabilities. Districts must also admit students consistent with the non-discrimination provisions of G.L. c. 76, § 5 ("No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.").
Sample Tuition and Lottery Policies
A sample sliding fee worksheet is available upon request. Please email Achievement@mass.gov with any inquiries.
Last Updated: July 2, 2025