‘School Choice’ allows students to choose their school regardless of where they live
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado school districts are pushing to get the word out about a program in our state that allows students to live in one district, but go to school in another.
The 'School Choice' program has been in effect for years, but not as many students utilize it as districts would like.
"When we were growing up, you just went to your neighborhood school regardless of your interests or passions. You were given what you were given," said Devra Ashby, the communications director for school District 11. "Now, you have this menu of options across the region."
One of the schools taking advantage of this program is Rampart High School in Colorado Springs District 20.
"Here at Rampart, we're a school that's right about 56 percent choice," said Rampart High Principal Pete Alvarez. "So out of our population of 1,625, right around 900 of our students are either in-district choice students or out-of-district choice students."
These numbers are ones that southern Colorado school districts want to see across the board.
"Typically at that school visit you just know that this is the kind of school that would meet your child's abilities," said District 20 communication director Allison Cortez.
School Choice allows for school diversity, growth and a more personalized learning strategy, based on the interests of that specific student.
Below is a list of enrollment periods for different districts. If you don't see your district, you can head to their website or give them a call for more information:
- Academy District 20: Now through Feb. 28
- Colorado Springs School District 11: Now through Feb. 15
- Falcon District 49: Accepts school choice applications all year
- Lewis-Palmer District 38: Now through Feb. 7
- Harrison District 2: Accepts school choice applications all year
- Widefield School District: Now through Feb. 28