As a public school, Rising Tide is open to all students who reside in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In admitting students, Rising Tide does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed or religion, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or in a foreign language, or prior academic achievement.

Rising Tide accepts and serves all grade-eligible students who reside in Massachusetts, including students with disabilities and English language learners. For more detailed information about access and equity of educational services at Rising Tide, please see the Right to Attend Notice for Students with Disabilities and the Notice of Rights for English Language Learners.

The Primary Open Enrollment period opens in November and closes in February each year. Rising Tide accepts applications for grades 5-12 for the upcoming school year. The primary entry point for the school is in grade 5. If spaces become available in grades 5-8 during the school year, the school will attempt to fill the vacant spaces up to February 15. If spaces become available in grades 9-12 during the school year, the school will attempt to fill the vacant spaces at the start of the school year. When spaces become available after the lottery process, students are admitted according to their placement on the waiting list.