You are bound to have questions, most parents and guardians do. Following are some of the most common questions we receive. If you aren't seeing the question or answer you are looking for here, please just contact us.
Documents you may need to help you choose a school:
School Choice Contact Person by School
School Listing by Zone
Parent Brochure-English
Parent Brochure-Spanish
SmartChoices: A digital guide to Public School Choice in the greater Hartford Region.
Use this search tool to learn more about your public school options in the City of Hartford and nearby suburbs.
Click here for more information http://smartchoices.trincoll.edu
What is a Community School?
- A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. (Coalition for Community Schools – widely used definition of community schools) Hartford Community Schools are a strategy for aligning resources to support student achievement.
What do you mean by a “Choice Plan?”
- Providing more school choices is a critical part of the plan to improve our schools and increase student achievement
- The Choice plan will provide options for families based on student needs and interests
Why do we need more change?
- HPS is one of the lowest performing districts in the State of Connecticut
- Our large comprehensive high schools lack personalization, we have too few high achieving schools and there are limited school choices that are aligned with student interests
- Funding for students is not equal
- We want to provide stability and predictability of school attendance based on place of residence and increase opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods by anchoring them with strong schools
- We want to increase parental engagement in their child’s education
- We need to provide incentives for families to stay in Hartford rather than seek educational options outside of Hartford
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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.
- 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)
How will Choice work?
- Students can choose schools at different grade levels
- Students currently enrolled in a school may stay at their current school
- Limited seats are available, a set of preferences determines whether a seat is awarded or not
- Consultation with our CHOICE office is also available; call: (860) 695-8876
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)
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 ?
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
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