Applying to Aspire takes place by filling out an application and submitting it. Aspire students are chosen by random lottery drawing and notified if they have been selected or not. Those not selected are placed on a waiting list should an opening occur. The waitlist is maintained through students' 8th-grade year.

To make the process easier, each year in the spring, Aspire holds an Application Night, where interested parents and students can learn about Aspire and fill out an application. The application process is open to all current 5th graders residing within the NTPS boundaries.

If you did not attend Application Night, you can complete the application and turn it in to the Aspire office by the deadline.

What happens on Application Night?

• A description of Aspire’s mission, vision, goals
• An explanation of all the programs offered
• A detailed outline of the application process
• Distribution of the Application Packet

Selection Process

• The selection process will be administered by the District Office on the chosen date & time.
• Each student with a completed application received before the deadline receives a number. The student’s number is written on the receipt of acceptance when the application is turned in. Applications must be turned in by hand to the office, submitted via the online form, or emailed to amsapplication@nthurston.k12.wa.us - mailed applications will not be accepted.
• Each number is placed one time on one ticket. The ticket is placed in a container.
• The order drawn will determine the order in which placement at Aspire Middle School will be extended.

Acceptance Process

• The acceptance process will be administered by Aspire Middle School.
• Families are notified, in writing, regarding their child’s number and whether they are being offered a placement at Aspire Middle School.
• Once all placement offers are accepted, the remaining students will be placed on the waiting list in the order they were drawn. 
• Should openings occur, the next student on the waiting list is offered placement. Waiting lists will be maintained through the end of the students’ 8th-grade year.