(BRADENTON FL - January 15^th, 2006) Parents who want to send their child to a school other than the one to which they are assigned for the 2007-2008 school year, need to apply during the School Choice Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Monday, Jan. 29th, to Friday, Feb. 16th.

This is the only time during the year when parents can apply to have their child attend another school without giving a specified reason for the move. School Choice applications are available at school sites, or online at www.manateeschools.net by clicking on the quicklink titled “School Choice,” or at the School District's award-winning Parent Information Center, located at 234 Manatee Avenue East, in Bradenton.

School Choice decisions may be of particular interest to parents of students moving from elementary to middle school, and from middle to high school because of the variety of magnet themes and academy programs offered at district schools. In addition, parents may use School Choice to enroll their child in International Baccalaureate programs offered at Wakeland Elementary, Johnson Middle and Southeast High.

Approval of School Choice applications are subject to enrollment capacities and other demographic criteria. Choice options for elementary students are limited to schools within a specific geographical cluster, and to a specific geographical region for middle school students. High school students can use School Choice to attend any high school: however a student cannot choice to another school once they have completed the 9th grade.

Also, for the first time this year, the Kindergarten School Choice period will be held at the same time as the School Choice period for other schools. In the past, a separate School Choice period was scheduled in May for parents of kindergarten students.

For further information on School Choice, please contact the Parent Information Center at 708-4971.