FAQS

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS (HPS) OFFICE OF ENROLLMENT AND SCHOOL CHOICE?
  • Ensures families are well-informed of all school options and how best to navigate the School Choice Placement Process.
  • Provides enrollment services.
  • Manages the outreach efforts to families, schools and the community at large. Conducts the HPS School Choice Placement Process, which assigns students to HPS District schools.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE OFFICE (RSCO)?
  • Works in partnership with HPS Office of Enrollment and School Choice to ensure that both Hartford and Suburban families have access to quality, integrated educational opportunities offered through the RSCO school choice application.
  • Conducts the Regional School Choice Office Placement Process, which assigns students to Choice Schools Programs in the Greater Hartford Region. Options include Magnet, Open Choice and CT Technical Schools.

Families interested in Magnet and Open Choice schools should consult the RSCO Catalog at choiceeducation.org.


IS MY CHILD ABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL IF HE/SHE IS UNDOCUMENTED?
Yes, all children living in the United States have a right to a free K-12 public education regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

WHAT ARE THE AGE RANGES WHEN APPLYING FOR PreK AND KINDERGARTEN??

HPS Office of Enrollment and School Choice:

PreK – Hartford District schools begin with PreK4. To be eligible for PreK4 through the Hartford District placement process, the student will need to be four years of age by December 31 of any school year.

Kindergarten – To be eligible for Kindergarten, the student will need to be five years of age on or before January 1 of any school year. This is a transitional grade; all families should apply online. Families who already have their child within zone at a Hartford District PreK4 program need not apply, as their child will roll up into that school’s kindergarten class.

RSCO (Regional School Choice Office):

PreK – Magnet schools available through the RSCO application process begin with PreK3 and PreK4. Families interested in PreK should consult the RSCO catalog or choiceeducation.org, and apply via the RSCO school choice application.

Kindergarten – To be eligible for Kindergarten, the student will need to be five years of age on or before January 1 of any school year.


IF I MISS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE? WHAT SHOULD I DO?

HPS Office of Enrollment and School Choice:

  • Families who enroll in the district after the application period closes will be placed in schools where seats are available.

Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) Magnet Lottery:

  • For the late application period, please consult choiceeducation.org. Applications will only be accepted online at the above-mentioned site.
  •  No Magnet or Open Choice school placements are made beyond October 1.


ARE STUDENTS WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL EDUCATION, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING, OR OTHER RELATED SERVICES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Yes. All students will enter the process with the same access to potential seats in all schools.

RESOURCES

 

THE WELCOME CENTER

The Welcome Center is a one-stop shop for families that links students, parents, principals, teachers, employees and the community to available resources, and ensures accurate information and quality assistance for all. We provide all the information you need – pointing you in the right direction for everything from your child’s transportation, to early childhood education, health services, uniforms, and even your own education. Let us help you be a strong and full partner in your child’s education.

To contact the Welcome Center, please call 860-695-8400.

 

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Our primary goal is to provide safe and efficient transportation for Hartford Public School students and families. Student eligibility for transportation is determined by the walking distance from home to school. Note that eligibility changes as students progress in grades. See general guidelines below:

TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES:

GRADES K-1:
Student lives 0.5 miles or more from enrolled school
GRADES 2-5:
Student lives 1.0 miles or more from enrolled school
GRADES 6-8:
Student lives 1.5 miles or more from enrolled school
GRADES 9-12:
Student lives 2.0 miles or more from enrolled school

Hartford Public Schools Transportation (Hartford resident students) Services Hotline 860-695-8547
RSCO Transportation (Suburban resident students) Hotline 860-524-4077

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Hartford Public Schools supports the full potential of each and every student. The goal of Student Support Services is to ensure that all students with disabilities have access to and benefit from the general education curriculum.

For more information about HPS Student Support Services, please contact 860-695-8450.

 

HEALTH SERVICES

Health Services operates eight school-based health clinics and 18 dental clinics throughout the district, with school nurses in every building. Our primary aim is to collaborate with other health care providers, support staff, teachers, and parents to promote a healthy environment for students to learn at their optimal potential.

For more information about our services, please visit Hartfordschools.org/health-services or contact 860-695-8760.

 

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

Providing nutritious food to students during the school day is part of our commitment to each and every student. We support:

• Meal services at all our schools
• Coordination with school staff, students and families to accommodate special nutritional or medical dietary needs
• Nutrition promotion

For more information about Food and Nutrition Services, please contact 860-695-8490.