At one time, terms such as "fundamental" or "open" reflected unique educational strategies. Today, these strategies can be found in schools throughout the district.

Typically, "fundamental" schools (Arcade, Casa Roble, Cowan, Dewey, El Camino, Green Oaks, Pasteur) have a more structured program and "open" schools (Cambridge, Mission, Orangevale) have a more flexible structure.

In all district-wide open attendance school programs, parents choose to have students attend the programs, and parents are asked to sign an agreement that they will participate in school activities. These schools do not have neighborhood attendance boundaries; admission is through open enrollment.