School Choice

  • School Choice controlled open enrollment allows a parent/guardian to request enrollment for their child(ren) in a School District of Manatee County K-12 public school that has not reached class size and/or school capacity.

    Parents may use School Choice to enroll their children in innovative programs like International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), WOZ-Ed Pathways, Visual & Performing Arts, Dual Language, and Career Academies in areas such as Design & Engineering, Business & International Studies, Medical and more.
    Contact Schools to Schedule a Tour/Visit

    Parents may apply for School Choice controlled open enrollment during the Lottery window. 
    Late applications, after the lottery window, will be added to the requested school(s) waitlist. Application results are emailed to parents.

    Approval of applications is subject to class size and/or school capacity.
    Available Seats by School/Grade

      Lottery

      • 2024-2025 School Choice COE applications are available for waitlists.

        2025-2026 School Choice COE Applications available January 6-31, 2025.

      Waitlist

      • The waitlist is used to fill any seats that become available during the quarterly reviews. 

        Lottery applications not selected during the random lottery will automatically be placed on the waitlist for the requested school(s). Applications submitted after the lottery deadline will automatically go to the requested school(s) waitlist. The waitlist is purged before each new lottery.

        School Year 2024-2025
        Wait-list applications are scheduled to be reviewed on the following dates:

        05/15/24
        Approved students will be re-assigned to their School Choice, effective for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.

        8/26/24 
        Approved students will be re-assigned to their School Choice, effective immediately.

        10/07/24
        Approved students will be re-assigned to their School Choice for the second quarter, effective 10/15/24.

        12/16/24
        Approved students will be re-assigned to their School Choice for the second semester, effective 1/7/25.

      Appeals

      • The ENROLLING PARENT may submit an Appeal for denied Out-of-zone Transfer applications and wait-listed School Choice controlled open enrollment applications.

        Using the form titled ‘APPEAL’ in their FOCUS parent portal account, the ENROLLING PARENT must submit a written statement that explains why they feel the denial would pose a serious and continuing hardship that cannot reasonably be eliminated or reduced by means other than reassignment.

        The Appeal MUST INCLUDE a written statement and supporting documentation such as, but not limited to:

          • Legal documentation
          • Medical documentation

        The District Appeals Committee will review Appeals in order of submission.  Decisions by the District Appeals Committee are final.

      Frequently Asked Questions

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      • After my child is accepted for School Choice, do I need to apply every year?

      • Can my child ride the bus to a School Choice school?

      • How do I know if a school has room?

      • What if I changed my mind and want to return to my zone-assigned school?

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      How to Apply