School district high school choice enrollment period opens Monday

MANATEE -- The Manatee County School District high school choice program opens Monday.

The open enrollment session is the only time during the year when parents can apply to have a high school student attend a school outside their assigned zone without giving a specified reason for the move, according to the district. High School Choice applications are available during the choice application session Jan. 11 to Jan. 22 online at manateeschools.net by clicking "Hot Topics" then "School Choice," at school sites, and at the Office of Student Assignment, located at 1400 1st Avenue East in Palmetto.

Students new to the school system will need to present a certified birth certificate and social security number at the time they apply for school choice. The application must be cosigned by the enrolling parent of record.

School Choice decisions may be of particular interest to parents of students moving from middle to high school because of the variety of academy programs offered. In addition, parents may use School Choice to enroll their child in the International Baccalaureate Program offered at Southeast High School.

Approval of School Choice applications are subject to enrollment capacities.

Choice transportation is not offered for high school students with the exception of those approved for the International Baccalaureate Program at Southeast High School.

For information visit manateeschools.net and click "Hot Topics" then "School Choice" or contact the Office of Student Assignment at 708-4971.

The middle and elementary school choice programs are held later in the year.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 10:38 AM with the headline "School district high school choice enrollment period opens Monday ."