Open enrollment application for Manatee elementary schools now being accepted

MANATEE -- Parents who would like to send their elementary school children other than the one to which they are assigned for the 2016-2017 school year are now able to apply for school choice with the Manatee County School District until March 18.

The open enrollment session is the only time during the year when parents can apply to have their elementary school child attend another school without giving a specified reason for the move. Applications are available during the choice application session online at www.manateeschools.net by clicking "Hot Topics" then "School Choice. Applications are also available at the schools and at the Office of Student Assignment, located at 1400 First Ave. E., in Palmetto.

Students new to the school system will need to present a certified birth certificate and the social security number will be requested at the time they apply for school choice. Also, the Choice application must be completed/signed by the enrolling parent of record. Emailed submissions will be verified for Enrolling Parent by the email address entered in the Student Information System

In person or postal submissions require notary.

Choice options for elementary school students are limited to specific geographical clusters. Choice transportation may be provided within elementary school clusters provided the student lives more than two miles from the choice approved school and not in any restricted outlying area as indicated by the District School Choice Plan.

The voluntarily pre-kindergarten choice period runs the same time frame.

For further details regarding the School District of Manatee County School Choice options please visit www.manateeschools.net and click "Hot Topics" then "School Choice" or contact the Office of Student Assignment at 708-4971.

This story was originally published March 7, 2016 at 5:39 PM with the headline "Open enrollment application for Manatee elementary schools now being accepted ."