SARASOTA – Parents who would like their children to attend a Sarasota County public school in 2010-11 other than their districted school are invited to submit a school choice application from Monday, Feb. 1 through Friday, Feb. 19.
Since space is always limited and demand may be high at some schools, it is typically not possible to accommodate all school choice requests. As in previous years, school choice approvals will be determined by a random lottery process, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be assigned automatically to their districted school (based on the location of their residence) or their current school, unless a school choice application is received.
School choice application forms will be available beginning Monday, Feb. 1 at all public schools, at selected daycare facilities, or by calling 927-9000, ext. 32255. Parents will be notified of choice assignments in early April.
The ability for parents to choose a school outside of their district began 13 years ago in the Sarasota County School District and has been well received by both parents and school administrators. Options for school choice are limited at some schools for the 2010-11 year if those schools are near their enrollment capacity. The complete list of schools open to choice is available at www.SarasotaCountySchools.net/departments/schoolchoice.
Other district options, such as charter schools, magnet schools or magnet programs, do not require the completion of a school choice application. Students interested in attending these schools or programs (including Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Riverview High School and the Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) programs at Booker High School and Booker Middle School) should contact these schools directly.
While school bus transportation for regular school choice will not be available this year, an opportunity of Early Notification for School Choice with Transportation (AYP Choice) is available at several of the district’s Title 1 schools this year. A Title 1 school is a school that receives special funding through the U.S. Department of Education No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to assist students in improving their academic performance. If the school did not meet the required benchmarks for Adequate Yearly Progress, parents of students attending these schools will receive a letter and a special Choice with Transportation application form in the mail. Information about a school’s Adequate Yearly Progress and Choice with Transportation availability is available at www.SarasotaCountySchools.net or by calling the School Choice Office at 927-9000, ext. 32258.
Click on the following link for a list of schools open and closed to school choice for 2010-11: School Choice-open and closed 2010-11