3. What are some of the advantages of the Choice Plan for my child and my family?

• Every child deserves the same opportunity for a great education. That means, every child must have a choice of a school that meets their needs/interests.
• The current process of student assignment has fallen short of its promise of an equitable education for each child. It’s time for a change. That time is now.
• Advantages include:

  - Small learning communities

  - Theme-based Academies relating to student interests

  - Increased parent empowerment and involvement

  - School models with demonstrated success will be employed

  - A rigorous college-ready curriculum

  - Enhanced teacher and staff commitment

  - Build meaningful relationships (Rigor, Relevance, Relationships)

4. How will Choice work?

• Students can choose schools at different grade levels
• Students currently enrolled in a school may stay at their current school
• If there are more applicants than seats available, a set of preferences determines school enrollment
• A new transportation system will facilitate a district-wide Choice system
• The specific application process can be found on our website: www.hartfordschools.org
• Consultation with our CHOICE office is also available; call: (860) 695-8699

What are some of the specific changes happening in 2010-2011 school year?

• Elementary Schools

  - New choice elementary schools:

  - America’s Choice at SAND

• Secondary Schools

  NOTE: Promotion to the 9th grade is dependent on the completion of a Choice School application.

• High Schools Choices include:

- Bulkeley High

- Lower School at Bulkeley High (9-10)

- Upper School at Bulkeley High (11-12)

- Teacher Preparatory Studies (11-12)

- Humanities Studies (11-12)

- Hartford High

- Grade 9 Academy

- Engineering & Green Technology Academy (10-12)

- Law and Government Academy (10-12)

- Nursing Academy (10-12)

- High School Inc.,: Hartford's Insurance & Finance Academy (Not affiliated with Hartford Public High School) (9-11)

 

- Weaver High

- Weaver (12)

- Located in Weaver High

- Culinary Institute (9-12)

- Journalism & Media Academy (9-11)

What happens with Special Education students in the Choice process?

• Students will follow the same process as all Hartford students, and the required services will follow the student to any school chosen.
• Ellen Stolz , Acting Senior Director Pupil Support Services will specifically address the needs of our Special Education students. Ms. Stolz can be contacted at 860-695-8550 or email her at: stole001@hartfordschools.org

What happens with Homeless or Foster students in the Choice process?

• Students will follow the same process as all Hartford students; the living status will not impact their opportunity for choice. They would receive the same preferences as all students.
• Barbara Burke, Family Service Specialist, has been appointed to specifically address the needs of our homeless and foster students. Ms. Burke can be contacted at (860) 695-8409 or email her at: burkb001@hartfordschools.org.

What are the transportation requirements ?

• Transportation distances (2009-2010)

  • Grades K-2 is .5 miles
  • Grades 3-5 is 1.0 miles
  • Grades 6-8 is 1.5 miles
  • High School students will receive transportation if they live 2.0 or more miles from the school.

How are the school zones defined?

• The Board passed policy, No. 5116 in July of 2007, directing the Superintendent to establish zones in Hartford to enhance transportation and school choice.
• The criteria used to determine a zone include:

  - Equal balance of the grouping of schools (Elementary, Middle and High Schools)

  - Sensitivity to cultural and historical neighborhoods

  - Districted around any existing infrastructural barriers (Parks, etc.)

  - Existing boundaries