What you need to know about the application and admissions process, important dates, and transportation information.
Open Choice Program... Making A Difference!
NEW Open Choice Brochure [PDF format]
Open Choice Brochure [PDF format] – in English & Spanish
The Hartford Region Open Choice Program offers public school students in Hartford the opportunity to attend public schools in suburban towns and public school students in suburban communities the opportunity to attend public schools in Hartford, at no cost to the student's family.
Participation in the Open Choice program is voluntary. Students must complete and submit an application which is available through the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO).
Currently, the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) manages the program for approximately 1,250 Hartford region Open Choice students who attend school in 29 suburban towns and Hartford. Open Choice districts include Avon, Berlin, Bolton, Bristol, Canton, Cromwell, East Granby, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Newington, Plainville, Portland, Region 10 (Burlington and Harwinton), Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Southington, Suffield, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. The suburban districts and Hartford offer seats in their elementary, middle and high schools.
The program is open to children who will begin kindergarten in school year 2010-2011 (age 5 by December 31st of the school year), and children entering grades 1 – 12 who are currently enrolled in public schools.
Important Facts About Open Choice
The majority of Open Choice graduates attend post secondary education programs, including four-year colleges.
Transportation is provided at no cost to families who live in Hartford. There are also transportation options available for suburban students who attend Hartford schools.
The Open Choice program serves all public school students, including gifted and talented, English language learners, and students receiving special education services.
Open Choice students come from diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Once your child is accepted into the Open Choice program, your child can remain in the program until s/he graduates from high school. However, if you are a Hartford resident and you move out of Hartford, your child will no longer be eligible to participate in the program. If you are a suburban resident and you move, your child may not be able to participate, dependent upon where you move.
Open Choice Students and Families
Parents of children in the Open Choice Program want them to have the best possible education, and family involvement is a key factor in each child's success. Our multi-lingual Open Choice team works closely with school districts to help support students and their families. Together, we can help your child participate in a rewarding educational experience that will prepare them for a bright future.
Eligibility for Open Choice
Hartford families interested in attending a suburban public school and suburban families interested in attending a Hartford public school may apply through the lottery conducted by the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) by selecting "Open Choice" on the RSCO application.
Hartford residents entering PreK4 through 12th grade may apply and suburban residents entering PreK3 through 12th may apply.
Open Choice applicants are placed into schools through the RSCO lottery. Eligible students with a sibling enrolled in the program are given preference in the lottery for the town in which their sibling attends school. Applicants who only select Open Choice on the RSCO lottery application will also have a placement preference.
What you need to know about the application and admissions process, important dates, and transportation information.
At RSCO satellite locations in Hartford, obtain RSCO catalogs and applications and receive free support to complete the RSCO lottery application.
By attending a Regional School Choice Fair, you can learn more about all school and/or program options.
In addition to getting a glimpse into the school or program you are exploring, you'll receive all the additional information and application forms needed.