DELAWARE - The school choice application period for the 2024-2025 school year opened on Nov. 6. Delaware's school choice program allows families living in the state to apply to enroll their children in any Delaware public school district, charter school or vocational-technical school regardless of home address.
To participate, a student must first be registered in the school he attends based on home address. Then, parents interested in applying to other schools are encouraged to visit them to learn more about available programs and application requirements. Information about Delaware schools like enrollment, subject area proficiencies and more can be found on the Delaware Report Card website.
Students can apply for multiple districts and schools, though a separate application must be completed for each student.
After the application window closes on Jan. 10, schools process applications based on state and local policy, with some using a lottery system. Families are typically notified of their application status by the end of February. They have until March 15 to notify districts of their acceptance decision. Waiting lists for those not offered invitations will be maintained until the first day of the application school year.
Families typically must choice students into schools during the application window, though there are exceptions for moving, changes in guardianship or guardian marital status, adoption and substantiated reports of bullying, among others.
The school choice application closes on Jan. 10 at 11:59 p.m. for most schools, though charters, vocational-technical schools and magnets may continue to accept applications after this date to fill remaining availability. Kindergarten applications can be submitted until the first day of school. More information can be found at schoolchoicede.org.