New Year's Must-Do's: Apply for School Choice Assignments

The Hillsborough County School District is reminding parents that the deadline to apply for a school of choice in the middle and high school grades for the 2012-13 school year is Jan. 11.

"Under Hillsborough Choice options, students can apply for a magnet school, a career and technical education program or another public school with available space within Hillsborough County," notes the release from the nation's eighth-largest school district. "Students who wish to remain at their current magnet or choice school, or prefer to attend their attendance-area school, do not need to complete an application."

Here's what you need to know to get started:

The Hillsborough County School District has a "choice" page online that details the numerous choice options, as noted below:

Magnet Schools Magnet schools and programs are elementary, middle and high schools with theme-based curriculum, such as the arts, science and technology, international studies and the Internatinal Baccalaureate studies.  School Choice From a list of schools with space available, parents with children in kindergarten through grade 11 can apply for admission in up to up to three non-magnet schools or career and technical education programs. Transportation is not available in some areas. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs  CTE programs for middle and high school students offer technial training leading to high-wage, high-skill jobs and to post-secondary education. Out of County Out-of-county applications are available as a courtesy to students who live in neighboring counties. Other Options Charter Schools Home (or, "homeschool") Education McKay Scholarships No Child Left Behind (Supplemental Education Services) Business Partnership Schools Virtual (Online) Schools Options for Military Families

Next Steps:

Students currently enrolled in Hillsborough County public schools should apply online.

Students new to the Hillsborough County School District must download the "all-in-one application" found online, complete it and mail it to the address listed on the application.

Again, the application deadline for middle and high school students is Jan. 11. The dealine for elementary school students is Feb. 29.

For information, or to ask questions, call the Choice Information Line at 813-272-3692.