School Assignment, Choice in Hillsborough County: Back-To-School Countdown (Day 25)

The Brandon Patch Back-To-School Countdown proceeds with this Day 25 report, offering news of interset as the first day of classes approaches.

Teachers in the Hillsborough County School District go back to school Aug. 15 to prepare for the first day of classes, Aug. 23.

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Where children go to school is largely a determinant of where they live.

But not solely.

The Hillsborough County School District reviews the nine avenues of choice, selection and assignment available to the district’s approximately 200,000 students.

These avenues, as noted in the “HCPS Facts 2011” publication, are explored as well in the online school directory, which lists schools according to level (elementary, middle, high) and type (magnet; career, technical and adult; alternative, exceptional and charter).

Attendance Area School:

• This school assignment is based on the student’s home address. An online school locator can be used to determine that assignment.

Charter Schools:

• Operated by nonprofit organizations, these independent elementary, middle and high schools are operated under public school district charter and must meet the same mandates required of all public schools.

Home Education:

• Statutorily defined sequentially progressive instruction directed by a parent.

John M. McKay Scholarship:

• A state-operated voucher program for exceptional education students with Individualized Education Plans, or IEP’s.

Magnet Schools and Programs:

• Families choose from among an array of theme-based offerings that provide “innovative and rigorous academic instruction by specially trained teachers in smaller learning communities.” Transportation is provided but might be limited or unavailable in some areas.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Choice:

• Specialized options are given to parents whose students are enrolled in Title 1 schools that are determined to be in need of improvement, corrective action or restructuring.

School Choice:

• Students in kindergarten through grade 11 can apply for up to three schools (not magnet) or career and technical education programs that have available space. Transportation is provided to some school choice options but is not provided if students live within two miles of the selected and approved school. Students within a two-mile radius are expected to walk to the school, or be driven there by their parents, guardians or other adults.

Virtual School:

• Hillsborough County students can take online academic courses anytime (based on scheduling and availability) and anywhere.

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ABOUT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN:

This is the 25th posting in a 41-day effort that counts down the days before the opening bell of the 2011-12 school year for the Hillsborough County School District.

Previously posted:

• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 15) — Education Quotes To Consider
• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 16) — Sizer on Adolescence
• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 17) — Bully Prevention and Reporting