A catchment area (or attendance zone/school boundary) is the geographic area determining which public school students are assigned to attend based on their residence. Students living within a school's catchment are guaranteed enrollment at that school.
How Boundaries Work
School districts draw attendance boundaries considering capacity, demographics, transportation, and community input. Boundaries may be redrawn as populations shift. Living in a school's catchment typically guarantees admission to that school.
School Choice and Boundaries
Many districts allow families to apply to schools outside their catchment through open enrollment, magnet programs, or transfers. In the UK, catchment may provide preference but not guarantee admission to oversubscribed schools.