Expanding School Choice Options in Hamilton County Schools for 2024-25 Academic Year

Hamilton County, TN – Hamilton County Schools (HCS) has announced a significant expansion of school choice options for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. With a focus on providing students with diverse educational opportunities beyond their zoned schools, HCS is offering choice seats at more than 70 schools for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The options include Workforce Development and College Schools, Future Ready Institutes, Magnet Schools, Charter Schools, and Open Enrollment Schools.

The initiative, known as Choose Hamilton: School Choice, aims to empower families and students to find educational settings that align with their interests and skills. By broadening the selection to over 70 schools, HCS hopes to cater to a wide range of preferences and learning styles within the county.

Starting from November 13, 2023, until January 31, 2024, families can apply for the Choose Hamilton: Choice Lottery. This streamlined application process allows families to apply to up to five schools or programs, ranking their preferences from 1 to 5. The lottery system will be used to allocate available seats, ensuring a fair selection process.

It’s important to note that families do not need to apply again if they are already enrolled in a Choice School, unless they are transitioning between educational levels (such as from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school).

Several schools, including Battle Academy, CSAS, CSLA, Normal Park, and STEM School, will utilize a balanced lottery model based on the applicant’s school board district. This method ensures a proportional representation of students across different districts within Hamilton County.

To help families make informed decisions, Hamilton County Schools will organize a Choose Hamilton: School Choice Fair on January 11, 2023. The fair will take place at the East Brainerd Annex located at 7555 Goodwin Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event will provide an opportunity for families to engage with representatives from all HCS schools, ask questions, and gather essential information about the available options.

By expanding the school choice program, Hamilton County Schools is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every student in the county has access to an education tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. Families are encouraged to explore the diverse array of schools and programs offered and participate in the Choose Hamilton: Choice Lottery to secure a seat in their preferred educational setting for the 2024-25 academic year.

For more information please go to HCDE.ORG

To learn more about Choose Hamilton: School Choice, watch the informational video above!

SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse