Selection and placement for the Program occurs once a year, at the conclusion of each school year. In order for a student to be placed, first and foremost there must be classroom space available in the receiving suburban district. Students are selected to participate in the program following a district-level review of student report cards, test scores, attendance records, teacher comments and an interview with the student, parents, school administrator (usually the principal), and Urban-Suburban staff. 

After the interview, the administrator (usually the principal) will determine whether or not a student is offered placement.

Parents apply to the Program, not a specific district. There is no waiting list or sibling preference for selection in this Program and placement is not based on first come, first served. All applications are reviewed each year and selected on their own merit.