Sarasota County Schools’ new fall application window for K–12 School Choice/Controlled Open Enrollment is now open. For the first time, families will have two opportunities to apply for the 2027–2028 school year, with application windows offered in both the fall and spring.

School Choice allows eligible families residing anywhere in Florida to apply for their child to attend a district-managed Sarasota County school other than their zoned school, based on available capacity. Families may select up to three schools on their application.

The fall application window opened at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, and will close at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2026.

Applications must be submitted online through the Focus Parent Portal. Placements are determined through a random lottery and are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families can expect fall placement decisions in mid-December. Those who receive an offer will have until Friday, January 8, 2027, to accept or decline their placement. Students who are not placed during the fall window will remain on the waitlist and do not need to reapply during the spring window.

A second School Choice application window will be offered February 8 through March 8, 2027.

Families are responsible for providing transportation for students attending a school through School Choice. Applying does not guarantee placement, and available schools and grade levels are determined by capacity.

To explore available schools, review application information and apply, visit:

https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/school-choice

Families who need assistance accessing or submitting an online application may contact the Office of School Choice at 941-927-9000, ext. 32255.