What is School Choice?
Every student has different interests, hopes, and dreams and must have access to opportunities that best open doors to exciting pathways to possibilities for their future. Choice schools expand the options for students to attend schools that best fit their individual interests and skillsets. These schools offer students opportunities that will propel them forward and ensure they are future-ready for college, career, and beyond.
Every student in Hamilton County is guaranteed a seat at their zone school. School Choice provides additional programs and school options through a randomized choice lottery application. Choice options include innovative learning experiences, unique academic curricula, theme-based programs, eLabs, project-based learning, and individualized learning communities. School choice options include Magnet schools (such as Normal Park), Open Enrollment schools, Future Ready Institutes, Early Postsecondary Opportunities, and Hamilton County Virtual School.
School Choice Timeline
- October 21, 2024 - Sibling Preference forms sent out by school (see FAQs)
- November 11, 2024 - Normal Park tour at the Lower School, 3:45 p.m.
- November 13, 2024 - Normal Park tour at the Upper School, 1:00 p.m.
- November 14, 2024 - School Choice Fair
- November 18, 2024 - School Choice lottery applications open
- December 20, 2024 - Sibling Preference forms due to the school (see FAQs)
- January 21, 2025 - Rock Point Support Session 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Red Bank Elementary
- January 31, 2025 - School Choice Lottery closes at 4:30 p.m.
- February 7 , 2025 - District runs lottery
- February 14, 2025 - District shares lottery results with families via email
- February 21, 2025 - Deadline for families to respond to email offer
- April 7 - July 25, 2025 - 2nd round applications open and closes
FAQs
Do I need to reapply each year?
No, if you have a magnet student currently at Normal Park, you do not need to reapply each year.
Can I tour the school?
Because of the high volume of applicants, we are unable to give individual tours. However, we are offering two information sessions and tours for interested families: November 11, 2024 at 3:45 at the Lower School campus and November 13, 2024 at 1:00 at the Upper School. Click HERE to RSVP for a tour. We will also hold group tours in the spring and an orientation in August for families of our newly accepted magnet students.
What is Sibling Preference?
Priority is given to siblings of magnet students currently at Normal Park in Kindergarten through 7th grade. 8th graders currently at Normal Park do not qualify as siblings for priority seating since they will not be returning next year. A sibling preference form must be filled out and returned to the school by December 15.
How do I apply?
School Choice applications can be found in your PowerSchool parent portal between November 18th and January 31st. If you are new to HCS, click HERE.
How will I know if a seat has been offered to my child?
You will receive an email from the School Choice office after February 14th with a link to accept a spot. The window to accept that spot is 7 days. After that time your seat will be forfeited and offered to the next student on the waitlist.
Does the county provide bus transportation?
Magnet students must provide their own transportation. Most of our bus stops are within our school zone but there are a few stops further out in the county for magnet students. Click HERE for a list of current bus stops for the 2024-25 year.
What are the requirements of a magnet family?
Parents and/or guardians must volunteer a total of 18 hours each year per family. Students must have less than 8 unexcused absences and 10 unexcused tardies. Parents/guardians must also attend two parent teacher conferences each year. Failure to meet these requirements could result in loss of your child's magnet seat.
More Information
For more information, contact the School Choice office at [email protected] or click HERE.