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Hillsborough Parents Can Be Choosey About Schools

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By MARILYN BROWN The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

Does Hillsborough have a school choice program?

The district offers options for parents if they want to enroll their child in a school other than the assigned school.

What are those options?

Parents may apply to enroll their child in any public school that has room as long as they provide transportation. For some choices, the district will provide bus service. They may also apply to enroll in any of the district's schools with magnet programs or themes. Transportation is provided. There are also more than two dozen charter schools, as well as the Hillsborough Virtual School.

How do I apply?

Each student is assigned to a school based on the family's home address. Unless the district adjusts boundaries, that won't change for 2008-09 regardless of the school's capacity. Families don't have to apply to remain in the assigned school, but must go through enrollment procedures the first time they enter the system. If you want to enroll in a school other than the assigned one, you must fill out a school choice application. You may also apply to a charter school.

What is a charter school?
Charter schools are funded by taxpayers but run by private or other public entities. They must follow health, safety and testing regulations, but are free from other regulations. Families apply directly to the charter school.

What are my other choices?

District magnet schools offer special themes, such as performing arts, technology or the International Baccalaureate program. The district provides transportation. There are four application periods during the year, all done through one office. Call (813) 272-4692.

Parents may also apply through the choice application process to attend any school that has room.

Families may apply for a choice hardship if they can document a medical need, severe disability, military request or produce a court order. A parent working at a school may enroll their child at that school.

Applications, overviews of options and a school locator based on home addresses are available online at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/choice.

Marilyn Brown

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