John H. Francis Polytechnic High School for Advanced Studies (SAS) is an official LAUSD demonstration site recognized for its exemplary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) implementation. By providing high-quality, differentiated instruction focused on depth, complexity, acceleration, and novelty, our SAS program delivers advanced academic services tailored to the unique needs of gifted and high-achieving learners in grades 9–12. 

Required criteria for your child to apply for the SAS:

• identified as gifted by LAUSD in the Intellectual, High Achievement, Specific Academic, Creative, or Leadership Ability Category OR
• has scored in the Standard Exceeded range on the SBAC or has a national percentile score of 85 or above in both reading and math on an achievement test (most recent year only) OR
• verified as eligible by the current school of attendance as meeting the four critical thinking/problem-solving skills criterion AND
• reside within L.A. Unified boundaries at the time of application and while participating in the program. If you are a Poly Resident, you do not need to apply through the Choices to be admitted into the SAS program. But you need to enroll your child in school (see below).

Poly Residents interested in SAS:

1. You need to enroll your child in Poly High School. Please contact the Attendance Office to set up an enrollment appointment. 
2. After your child is officially enrolled in the school, contact Ms. Pleitez, SAS Coordinator, at [email protected] about your interest in the SAS program. 

Poly non-residents interested in SAS:

Apply to Choices at Choices LAUSD Net 

• Choices Programs & Zones of Choice accept late applications for the next school year beginning in February through mid-September, annually.
• Open Enrollment accepts late applications for the next school year from early June through mid-September, annually.

Applicants Waitlisted to SAS:

If your child is on the waitlist for SAS for 2026-2027 (based on an on-time or late Choices application), you will be contacted directly by our school if/when space is available.  Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding your child’s SAS waitlist status. If you have additional questions, please contact Ms. Pleitez, SAS, at [email protected]

Thank you for your interest in Poly’s School of Advanced Studies!

Why families continue to choose Poly SAS:

• Pioneers in AP Capstone: Poly SAS was one of the first large high schools to offer the prestigious College Board AP Capstone Program (AP Seminar & AP Research).
• A Proven Track Record of Success: Over the past decade, our students have successfully earned the coveted AP Capstone Diploma—an accolade unique to Poly SAS that sets our graduates apart in college admissions.
• The Annual Literacy Magazine Published annually by SAS students, our literary magazine is a cornerstone of creative expression that gives students an authentic platform to edit and showcase their writing and artwork. By taking their work beyond the classroom into print, students build critical editorial skills and contribute to a vibrant storytelling culture on campus.
• Early Access to Rigor: We believe in building college readiness from day one by offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses starting in freshman year, with an expanding menu of Honors and AP offerings across all four years.
• Exemplary Distinction: Poly’s SAS GATE report has consistently received Exemplary Status recognition every year from the LAUSD GATE Division.