The School Committee decides annually whether Newburyport Public Schools will participate in the state's School Choice program.

The School Committee and administration determine seat availability at each grade level and recommend whether to open slots. The school district then advertises any open seats.

Once advertised, NPS will accept applications only for the grades that are available. If there are more applicants than seats available at a particular grade level, a lottery will be held to determine who will be accepted and the others will remain on a wait-list until future seats become available. Notification of acceptance begins after the School Choice registration period closes. Acceptance letters will be mailed.