Welcome to the Columbia Public Schools Lottery Application website

The elementary 2022-23 school year lottery waitlists are available at lottery waitlists.(opens in a new tab)

Why should you consider a lottery school for your student?

Benton STEM Elementary School
At Benton we focus on "Learning through Discovery and Leading with Character".

Our STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program is designed around...

academic excellence developed through high expectations
learning and instruction focused on student exploration and real-world relevancy
a focus on character development and job related skills necessary for a range of careers
community partnerships helping students identify the application of their learning in various careers

Benton approaches teaching and learning with the belief that deep understanding is developed through hands-on learning experiences and integration of subject areas. Classroom instruction is guided by the belief that purposeful integration of content areas helps students see how their learning is connected on a daily basis.

Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary School
The vision of Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary School is: "We believe that learning through the arts best prepares children for life."

The belief statements that the Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary School staff have developed are:

Students learn when taught through the arts and real world opportunities in a meaningful learning environment that is caring and nurturing.
The partnering with families and community makes strong connections and shows an appreciation for diversity.
Positive collaboration leads to well-balanced, creative learning for all.

Ridgeway Elementary School
The mission of Ridgeway's Individually Guided Education program is to help each student become a self-directed, self-motivated, lifelong learner, capable of meeting the challenges faced during a lifetime.

Ridgeway's Belief Statements are based on the philosophy that 'success teaches success' and that students are unique individuals.
We believe:

Successful learning experiences build successful learners.
Parent involvement encourages and nurtures student learning.
Children learn best in environments that utilize multiage and flexible grouping.
Children benefit from being part of a learning community and developing relationships with a variety of teachers.
Teachers must have the opportunity to learn and collaborate.

Jefferson Middle School: A STEAM Academy(opens in a new tab)
The mission of Jefferson Middle School: A STEAM Academy is: "Developing curious minds into compassionate, connected citizens… one student at a time."

JMS utilizes unique opportunities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to provide students real world learning.
JMS integrates Project Based Learning (PBL) conceptual frameworks through unique curriculum to provide critical thinking and creative opportunities to prepare students for an ever-changing world.
JMS provides practical opportunities for students to work collaboratively and develop enhanced skills for College and Career Readiness.
In order to provide fresh opportunities for all potential students annually, lottery waitlist will be refreshed and start a new each school year by October 1st.
It is an expectation that all students meet behavioral expectations. As lottery students are receiving special permission to attend JMS, they must meet said behavioral expectations or they will be required to attend their attendance area school and their lottery status will be revoked.

Bus Transportation for Jefferson Middle School
Jefferson Middle School: A STEAM Academy is a lottery school with an attendance area. In the 2022-2023 school year, all students will be provided transportation, provided they meet the Columbia Public Schools policy regarding distance of residence from the school (https://www.cpsk12.org/transportationinfo)