Sussex Academy invites 135 new families via school lottery process

After receiving nearly 1,500 applications during the School Choice enrollment period for the 2026-27 academic year, Sussex Academy has invited 135 new families to join the school after the conclusion of a third-party blind lottery.

The number of students invited is based on Sussex Academy’s enrollment capacity and high levels of student retention, said Head of School Kyle Bentley.

“Students who have been selected to join our school community are staying in our community, which is a testament to the strength of our accelerated academic program, but unfortunately limits the amount of new students we can enroll,” Bentley said.

In all, 1,459 applications were submitted for openings in kindergarten through 11th grade. Sussex Academy received 757 applications for kindergarten through fifth grade for a total of 46 spots, 461 middle school applications for 80 spots, and 241 applications for 15 open spots in ninth through 11th grades.

“Last year, we retained 94% of our students, marking a three-year high in retention,” Bentley said. “We then open seats through the lottery process based on anticipated availability and will use our waitlist as we get closer to the school year to maximize enrollment.”

Sussex Academy’s charter allows for a total of 1,192 students. Retention rates for students entering ninth grade increased to 89% last year, up from 78% in the previous school year, Bentley said. 

The school choice application window closed Jan. 14. Via school choice, families living in Delaware may apply to enroll their children in any Delaware public traditional school district, charter school or vocational-technical school, regardless of their home address. 

Applications submitted for anticipated openings at Sussex Academy are electronically recorded by third party Data Services Center. If the number of applications exceeds available openings, a blind lottery is held in January to select students who will be invited to enroll in the upcoming school year. Students are admitted in the order their application is drawn in the lottery.

Sussex Academy held open houses for all interested students in the fall and followed up with open houses in March for students who have been invited to enroll via the lottery.

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter K-12 school in Georgetown. Its mission is to create a supportive school environment with accelerated learning opportunities that prepare students to explore, experience and excel.