FAQ

Similar to Newark Enrolls, the Newark Common App features a centralized application, lottery, and waitlist. However, the new portal provides Newark families and schools additional services such as: a quicker and easier application for families which can be completed in 5-10 minutes – all you need to apply is a phone number or email address; new customer service approaches; policies that support access to the schools of your choice; and a transparent data sharing and school lottery system with a state-of-the-art lottery that matches students to the highest possible choice with space available and includes preferences for English Languages Learners, Special Education students, and families experiencing homelessness.

No – all applications submitted during the Priority Application Period (November 1, 2025 – March 16, 2026) are considered together. You can apply or edit your application anytime during that window.

If you miss this window you can apply during Open Enrollment starting March 23rd. Open Enrollment applications are processed on a rolling basis.

You can access the application through a computer or mobile device. Just click on the “Go to Application” button on the Newark Common App homepage and that will take you to the login page. To create an account all you need is a phone number or email address.

If you submit an application by March 16th 2026 you will be notified of your school offer on April 13th, 2026. You will be notified via email and/or text and can also log into your application to see the results: https://apply.avela.org/newarkcommonapp. If you applied after March 16th you will be notified on a rolling basis, after April 13th.

You will need to click the link on the verification email that was sent to you. This may be in another folder (try Promotions or Spam). If you still need help please contact the Newark Common App team at info@newarkcommonapp.org.

You should receive a text with a code immediately after creating your account or trying to login. If not, make sure the phone number is correct and is a cell phone number capable of receiving texts. If you still need help please contact the Newark Common App team at info@newarkcommonapp.org.

Please contact the Newark Common App team for help at info@newarkcommonapp.org.

Log in to your account and from the “Home” screen click on “Edit Form” for the student whose application you would like to edit. If you edit your application you must resubmit the application.

Log in and check your dashboard – the status of your application should say “Submitted”

You will receive a text or email notifying you of your offer, depending on your account log-in. It will also be available on your dashboard.

Open Enrollment (Phase 2) applicants will be notified on a rolling basis after April 13th, 2026. Open Enrollment (Phase 2) applications are considered only after all Priority Application Period (Phase 1) applications are processed.

No, we will never match a student to a school you did not list on their application.

The only reason you did not get your first choice is that there were too many applicants for the number of seats available at your first choice school. In this case, a lottery determines which applicants are matched to the school. However, if you did not get matched to your top choice you are on the waitlist for that school.

If you did not get an offer, you are on the waitlist for any schools you applied to. Login to your account to view the schools you are on the waitlist for and your current position on the waitlist. Also note that if your current school serves your next grade, you can stay at your current school. If you would like to consider other school options, we are happy to help you. Please contact us via email at info@newarkcommonapp.org

You will hear directly from your new school with information about the campus your child is matched to and how to register at your new school. You can also find contact information for your school on the homepage of the Newark Common App website (under each school name) or contact us at info@newarkcommonapp.org with any questions. For applicants for fall 2026, you will be notified by your new school of your campus location after April 13th, 2026.

To accept or decline your offer, login to your account by clicking on the “Go To Application” button on this website.

From your dashboard click on “See Offer”. Once you are viewing your offer(s), click either “Accept Offer” to confirm that you plan to attend your new school, or “Decline” if you do not plan to attend this school.

Please note that parents/guardians must register their children with their local school district before formally enrolling in a matched charter school. Parents/guardians should contact their local school district regarding registration requirements, which may vary for each district.

If you no longer want to attend you can decline the offer. To decline your offer, login at the “Go To Application” button.

From your dashboard click on “See Offer”. Once you are viewing your offer, select “Decline”. You can also apply to additional schools later if you would like to add a different school to your application.

Our lottery prioritizes matching siblings together. However, if there is no space available in one of your children’s grade levels at the school of your choice, your children may not be matched to the same school. Siblings are at the top of the waitlist so your child will get an offer if space becomes available. If you would like assistance, please contact us at info@newarkcommonapp.org.

Login at the “Go To Application” button to view the schools you are on the waitlist for and your current position on the waitlist. Once you log in, if you are waitlisted at a school you chose you will see a yellow “Waitlist” label next to the school name and a number next to the “Waitlist” label which indicates your position on the waitlist.

Each school will make offers from their waitlist as space becomes available. We know that schools are eager to welcome students from their waitlist as soon as possible, but we don’t know when a spot will become available, as this will be different for every school and grade, and we can’t guarantee that a spot will become available.

It is up to you to decide which school you would like to attend. We ask that you notify your Newark Common App school of your decision as soon as possible. Once you have made your decision, you can login by clicking “Go To Application” above to accept or decline your Newark Common App offer.

If you need more information, please contact your Newark Common App match school to learn more about the school. You can also learn more about all Newark Schools at https://www.myschoolsnewark.org. If you decide to accept your offer

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a written agreement outlining the education plan for students with special needs or disabilities. The IEP explains the services a student will receive to help them learn and grow based on their individual needs. An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written agreement outlining the services young children will receive when developmental needs or delays are identified in children up to three years old.

English Language Learners (ELLs) have been identified by their schools as students whose primary language is not English and who receive services to support learning English and/or instruction in their primary language. The types of services and instruction students receive include Bilingual Instruction (when classes in all subjects are offered in the student’s native language) and English as a Second Language (instruction designed to improve English reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

Registration documents include:

-Three (3) proofs of residency (examples are: Valid lease agreement or deed, utility bills, bank statements, paystubs or a state ID that was issued within the calendar year)
-Birth Certificate
-Immunization records
-IEP (if applicable)
-Transcripts (if applicable)

If you have any questions regarding registration documents, feel free to contact Newark Common App via phone at 973-259-6799 or via email info@newarkcommonapp.org.

The home district registration process is a very important step in the school registration process. This is how schools are able to secure crucial funding needed to operate each school year and educate students. This funding is how many schools are able to provide necessary services such as free breakfasts, lunch and snacks for students and school trips at little to no cost to families. Registering with your home district can also allow families to obtain additional support from their home district such as monthly bus tickets and/or financial reimbursements for travel.

For further information on how to obtain these additional services, contact your home district directly or contact Newark Common App via phone at 973-259-6799 or via email info@newarkcommonapp.org for support.