International Community School: Kirkland's Lottery Choice School
One of Washington's strongest public schools sits in Kirkland, and you do not have to live in a boundary to apply.
The Basics
International Community School, known as ICS, is a Lake Washington School District choice school in Kirkland, serving grades six through twelve at 11133 NE 65th Street, Kirkland 98033. It consistently ranks among Washington's strongest public schools.
How Admission Works
ICS is not a neighborhood school. Admission is by application and lottery, open to families across the whole district. Where you live in Kirkland does not decide your odds, so your home purchase and your ICS application are separate decisions.
Calendar
ICS follows the district calendar, the same across Kirkland. The 2026-27 year starts August 31, 2026, and ends June 16, 2027. See the Kirkland school districts guide for breaks and early-release days.
Plan Around It
Because ICS is a lottery, smart families buy for their assigned neighborhood schools and treat ICS as a bonus. I can show you strong homes that work either way. Verify current admission steps at lwsd.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get into International Community School?
ICS is a choice school, so admission is by application and lottery, not by home address. Families across the Lake Washington School District can apply, whether they live in Kirkland, Redmond, or Sammamish. Confirm current application windows and steps on lwsd.org.
Do I have to live near ICS to attend?
No. Because ICS admits by district-wide lottery, your Kirkland neighborhood does not affect eligibility. Many families still buy inside a strong neighborhood-school boundary first, then apply to ICS as an option.
Weighing Kirkland Homes and the ICS Lottery?
I will help you buy for strong assigned schools first, so your family is covered whether or not the lottery goes your way. Let us map it together.
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