2027-2028 LAUSD CHOICES APPLICATION:
Check the LAUSD website for all updates as it will be the most accurate. LAUSD Choices On-Time Application for the 2027-2028 school year opens October 1 with a deadline of November 6, 2026. Due to the volume of GALA applicants and the hundreds of students on the waitlist who submit an on-time application, late applications for GALA have never been considered so it is important that you meet all on-time application deadlines.
CATEGORY UPDATE:
For the 2026-2027 school year, LAUSD moved GALA into the Single Gender Academy School for Advanced Studies (SAS) category on the Choices application. If you applied to GALA in previous years, the separate GALA questionnaire is no longer required or accepted. You can read about SAS schools and eligibility for the LAUSD lottery HERE.
TOURS:
For school tour information, click HERE or see the school tours link under the "Admissions" menu above. Tours are only September-November. In-person tours are ONLY for students currently in grades 5-11. If your student is in 4th grade or below, please only sign up for the virtual tour. GALA does not do "shadow" days or private tours.
I M P O R T A N T
D A T E S
September - November 2026 - GALA School Tours. In-person school tours are ONLY for students in the 5th grade or older. If your student is younger than 5th grade, please only choose the virtual school tour option. During this time, GALA also participates in middle and high school fairs across southern California.
October - mid November 2026 - LAUSD Unified Enrollment application is typically open beginning of October through mid-November.
November 6, 2026 - Deadline for the LAUSD Unified Enrollment application. Due the volume of GALA applications, we do not get to late applications. On time applications are the only ones in the initial lottery.
November 20, 2026 - For non-LAUSD students, this is the deadline to submit the Verification of Eligibility Form to LAUSD (not GALA).
February 8, 2027 (week of) - Notifications are sent by LAUSD. Applicants might be emailed their results from LAUSD or results are posted in your LAUSD application portal. LAUSD does rolling notifications so you may get your email on a Monday or you might get it later in the week on a Friday. GALA will follow up with an email once the LAUSD emails have been sent. GALA does not have information as to when your LAUSD email will be send so we kindly ask that you not call the GALA office for this information. Also, check your SPAM folder or your LAUSD Parent Portal. Check your email inbox for more info.
March 5, 2027: If accepted, this is the LAUSD Unified Enrollment deadline to log into your account and accept or decline GALA. If you do not sign the LAUSD accept form by the deadline, your spot will be forfeited. If you accept at another LAUSD school, your spot at GALA is automatically forfeited. Check the LAUSD CHOICES website for the exact deadline each year.
April 24, 2027 - If accepted, first day to register at Registration Day for accepted students.
April 26-30, 2027 - If accepted, Registration drop off in the office for anyone not attending the April 24th Registration Day. Hours 8:30-11am.
April 30, 2027 - Deadline for accepted students to turn in their registration paperwork to the GALA office. Any accepted student who have not submitted all required forms by this date will automatically forfeit their spot at GALA.
May 2027 - After registration of new students, there will be a Saturday assessment for any rising 6th grade students interested in the accelerated math pathway.
May 1, 2027-September 1, 2027 - Any open spots opened to the waiting list.
A P P L I C A T I O N S2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR: LAUSD on-time applications were due 11-14-2025.
2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR: LAUSD on-time applications are October 1 - November 6, 2026. Check the LAUSD CHOICES website for changes and updates.
CATEGORY CHANGE: Starting with the 2026-2027 school year applications, LAUSD moved GALA into the Single Gender Academy School for Advanced Studies (SAS) category.
LOTTERY: LAUSD conducts a lottery for GALA applications and typically posts each individual outcome in parent portals in mid-March.
LATE APPLICATIONS: Because we have hundreds more applications than spots available, we never get the waitlist students who submitted late applications as we have hundreds of students on the waitlist who submitted an on-time application
SIBLING APPLICATIONS: All siblings of currently enrolled GALA students must follow the LAUSD application process to be considered. Be sure that your applying sibling is connected as a sibling to your current GALA sibling in your LAUSD application and parent portal and that they qualify for SAS. Siblings of current GALA students residing within the LAUSD boundaries have priority. Siblings who live outside of the district boundaries have last priority in the lottery.
PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS: If you were waitlisted in a previous year, LAUSD does not roll over wait lists from year to year. A new LAUSD application needs to be filled out. There is no priority for previously applications submitted.
OTHER INFO: GALA does NOT offer "shadow" days or private tours.
S A S S I N G L E
G E N D E R A C A D E M Y
LAUSD SAS INFO: Click HERE.
LAUSD SAS ELIGIBILITY INFO: Click HERE.
LAUSD SAS APPLICATION INFO: Click HERE.
LAUSD GATE 101: Click HERE.
LAUSD GATE INFO: Click HERE.
LAUSD GATE INFORMATION: [email protected] or (213) 241-4177
LAUSD CHOICES APPLICATION: Click HERE.
LAUSD CHOICES APPLICATION HOTLINE: [email protected] or (213) 241-4177 or (213) 241-8361
STEP #1 - READ THROUGH THE LAUSD ELIGIBILITY INFO TO DETERMINE IF YOUR STUDENT QUALIFIES FOR SAS: Click HERE or read the information below.
STEP #2 - APPLY TO GALA THROUGH THE LAUSD CHOICES APPLICATION HERE. GALA is under the SAS category. we are NOT in the SAS drop-down menu. Keep scrolling down and we are in our own sub-section under the drop down menu area. You can apply to your favorite SAS schools AND you can apply to GALA. You can also apply to Magnet schools, charters, dual immersion schools AND apply to GALA. LAUSD conducts a separate lottery for GALA so we will not conflict with your other applications.
STEP #3 - VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FORM - This form is ONLY for students currently attending a non-LAUSD school (private independent schools, independent charter schools, homeschools). You do NOT use this form if your student is currently attending an LAUSD school. If your student is at a non-LAUSD school, In addition to applying through LAUSD choices, you will also need to download the Verification of Eligibility form HERE. Parents fill out the top and then you give it to your Principal/Head of School. The Principal will fill out the bottom and the Principal sends it directly to LAUSD by the November 20, 2026 deadline on the form. LAUSD updates the form each year so if you see a past deadline date, wait to download until LAUSD updates it.
SAS ELIGIBILITY
-
WHAT ARE SAS SINGLE GENDER ACADEMIES?: GALA offers rigorous academic programs in a unique single gender education setting, including access to AP courses, dual enrollment college classes, college prep designed to empower gifted, advanced, and highly motivated students in grades 6-12
-
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM?: Students at GALA and BALA will:
-
Engage in a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
-
Benefit from voluntary, student-driven enrollment in a single gender setting that supports academic excellence and personal growth
-
Develop the intellectual curiosity and academic skills needed to excel in college and succeed in future careers
-
Cultivate a strong, confident, and independent voice
-
Build collaborative and compassionate leadership skills
-
Foster a deep sense of self-awareness and connection to the community
-
Embrace ethical leadership and a commitment to equity and integrity
-
Live out the core values of excellence, leadership, and wellness in all aspects of their school experience
-
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?: Applicants must meet one of the three SAS eligibility criteria and voluntarily commit to the expectations of a rigorous, STEM-focused academic program in a single gender learning environment. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to review and follow verification of eligibility procedures before applying. There are many ways to be designated as eligible by LAUSD. This includes but is not limited to: Intellectual Ability, High Achievement Ability, Specific Academic Ability, Creative Ability, Leadership Ability (not performing arts or visual arts GATE). Click HERE for more eligibility information.
-
IF MY STUDENT IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING A NON-LAUSD SCHOOL, CAN I STILL APPLY? Yes! LAUSD Website - "A Verification of Eligibility form is required for students currently enrolled in a private school, independent charter, or non-District school. Forms for the 2026-2027 are available for download on the LAUSD website by the end of September. For the on-time process, the parent/guardian must complete the Choices application by November 14, 2025 and have your current school submit the Verification of Eligibility form by December 5, 2025. Please refer to the LAUSD CHOICES website or the Choices brochure for detailed directions about submitting the form, if applicable. Late forms will not be accepted for the on-time application period; the recommendation submitted by the administrator is final. "
-
IF MY STUDENT IS HOMESCHOOLED, CAN I STILL APPLY? Yes! LAUSD Website - "An alternate verification process is conducted for homeschooled applicants to Gifted Magnet/SAS without a verifying organization. This verification process must be initiated by the parent/guardian prior to the Choices deadline of Friday, November 14, 2025. Please contact Gifted/Talented Programs at (213) 241-4177 or GAT[email protected] to initiate this verification process. Late inquiries will not be accepted for on-time application and selection. Homeschool information also HERE."
-
HOW ARE STUDENT SELECTED?: If there are more qualified applicants than spaces available, a random, unbiased selection process will be conducted. The selection process for SAS Single Gender Academy applicants who meet eligibility criteria will be conducted.
-
IS THERE TRANSPORTATION?: Transportation may be available for students residing within Los Angeles Unified boundaries who participate in Choices programs. Please visit the Transportation Services Division website at www.lausd.org/transportation to complete the opt-in process or speak to an administrator at your school to inquire about transportation options.
-
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A GALA QUESTIONNAIRE? No, GALA no longer has a questionnaire for students.
-
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS CATEGORY?: LAUSD retired this category.
-
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?: Please contact the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177 or [email protected] if you have questions about SAS Single Gender Academies. For questions about GALA school tours, click HERE.
PDF - HOW TO APPLY TO GALA - CLICK HERE.
PDF - HOW TO CHECK YOUR LAUSD PARENT PORTAL FOR GATE STATUS (ONLY LAUSD FAMILIES) - CLICK HERE.
FAQ
APPLYING TO GALA
I SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION BUT MY STUDENT WAS WAIT LISTED. DO I HAVE TO APPLY AGAIN?
Yes, LAUSD does not roll over wait lists from year to year. A new application is needed for each year applying with the new grade level your student will be entering for next year. This is true for current siblings or any applicants.
WHEN DO I APPLY?
Apply on the LAUSD Unified Enrollment website and indicate GALA as your school of choice from October 1 - November 6, 2026. Each year, LAUSD may change the GALA application process so be sure and check the LAUSD website AND the GALA website before you apply.
DO YOU TAKE LATE APPLICATIONS?
Because we have over 1,500 applications for approximately 120 spots, we will have hundreds of students who submitted an on-time application on our waiting list. Out of equity to those students, open spots will go to that list first. Therefore, it is highly unlikely we will ever get to the late application wait list.
ACCEPTED TO GALA
IF ACCEPTED, HOW DO I CLAIM MY SPOT?:
This is a 3-step process and you must do all steps by the deadlines or your spot at GALA could be forfeited and filled from the waiting list. Please ask all questions to [email protected] BEFORE you fill out these steps.
1) On your LAUSD acceptance email or in your LAUSD Unified Enrollment portal, you should find instructions how to "accept" your offer from LAUSD. You must do this by the deadline. With LAUSD Unified Enrollment, our understanding is that if you are accepted to multiple LAUSD schools, once you "accept" at your school choice, you will be dropped from the other schools in which you have been accepted. If your student has an IEP, before you accept, please email us so we can have you meet with our RSP teacher so you can be confident in our support services.
2) On your GALA acceptance letter/email, you will find a link to fill out our RSVP form for Registration Day and will allow you to make an appointment to register by the deadline.
3) Submit all of your registration forms and copies of required personal documents by the deadline on your GALA acceptance letter.
WHAT IF WE MAKE OTHER SCHOOL PLANS AND WANT TO WITHDRAW OUR APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE, OR WAIT LIST STATUS FROM GALA?:
We know finding the right school for your daughter can be a lengthy process. If you submit an application to GALA and then make other school plans, move, etc., please let us know ASAP so that we may remove your application. Likewise, if you are accepted or wait listed... and you have committed to a different school, please let us know ASAP at [email protected] so that we can open your spot to another girl.
IF ADMITTED, WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?
If you are admitted and you decide to enroll, the following documents will need to be submitted on Registration Day in April: LAUSD Registration Forms including the media waiver form and the Device/Chromebook form, GALA policy forms, a copy of your driver's license or state ID, utility bill (not telephone), immunization records (Tdap required for 7th grade and above), report card, transcript (high school), student birth certificate, and, if applicable, your IEP plan, 504 plan, inter-district permit (if coming from outside of LAUSD), and any court custody agreements. In addition, GALA policy forms including the GALA honor code, uniform policy, and the social media policy. A full list and details will be on the Registration webpage in the acceptance email. Please see the deadlines at the top of this page to submit registration paperwork.
IF ADMITTED, DO YOU HAVE A REGISTRATION DAY OR ORIENTATION DAY TO SEE THE CAMPUS?
We do have a Registration Day in the Spring and a student orientation in August. We only do scheduled tours from September - November each year. We do not do private tours.
WAIT LISTED TO GALA
WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER IS ON THE WAITING LIST?
We typically fill from the waiting list from May through August as spots become available. There is not one day where we fill from the waiting list and we sometimes fill from the waiting list after school starts in August. Some years we have not been able to admit any students from the wait list, while other years we have been able to admit a small number of students.
I SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION FOR THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR BUT MY STUDENT WAS WAIT LISTED. DO I HAVE TO APPLY AGAIN?
Yes, LAUSD does not roll over wait lists from year to year. A new application is needed for each year applying with the new grade level your student will be entering for next year.
OTHER QUESTIONS
I HEARD YOU MOVED?
Yes, GALA moved to 2328 St. James Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007 in August 2024. This campus only has GALA students, we are not co-located with any other school. After being co-located with a co-ed campus for eight years, we are elated to finally be able to fullfill our true mission of an all-girls school by having our own campus. We are surrounded on three sides by the only all-girls university in Los Angeles, the Mount Saint Mary's Doheny campus. You can see a picture HERE.
HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION TO GALA?
LAUSD does provide transportation (school buses) to students depending on your location. This is administered by LAUSD and NOT by GALA. Contact LAUSD transportation to find out if your family qualifies for transportation. Because our students come from 100 different zip codes, LAUSD usually sends out bus route information a week or two before school starts. Pick-up and drop-off is at select LAUSD schools throughout Los Angeles. There are no "late" buses.
Website: http://transportation.lausd.org/ or call (213) 241-1000.
DO YOU HAVE SPORTS FACILITIES?
GALA does not have competitive Middle School sports. GALA has 10 CIF High School competitive sports. Most of GALA's High School teams practice on our campus, however, all games take place at other campuses or facilities.
MY DAUGHTER IS NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN STEM OR ALL-GIRLS, WOULD GALA BE A GOOD FIT?
A typical GALA girl is highly motivated academically, has a genuine interest in STEM, and has a personal desire to be in an all-girls environment. It is important to know that GALA is a STEM-focused school and not an arts school. We do not have a drama department, but we do have an award-winning robotics team! GALA is also a uniform school and our uniform policy is strictly enforced.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WHO CAN I SPEAK WITH?:
"GALA has given me the opportunity that many do not have... We are able to spend time in a nurturing environment that allows us to have a voice and the confidence to use it. Our voices can change the world and we need to utilize the voices we have to their full potential so we have the opportunity to impact others. We need to be the voice for others that do not have the privilege to use theirs.”
- GALA Class of 2024 Student attending Yale University
GALA: Where girls love to be SMART, SELF-CONFIDENT and SUCCESSFUL!
