Parents wishing to enroll their child in a school other than their assigned school should go to the requested school to complete a Change in School Assignment Request form.
During the first acceptance window, forms are available only at the schools. Guidelines used when reviewing requests for Change in School Assignment include individual grade and school facility capacity, student enrollment projections, and residential growth potential in the attendance area.
Sterling School is a total choice school. For the elementary component of the school, students in close proximity to the school (defined by specific geocodes) have first choice to attend the school.
Other requests are honored on a first-come, first-serve basis and space availability. The Charles Townes Center at Sterling School is a choice program for gifted students in grades three through eight who qualify for the program.
A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering has a small attendance area and will serve students 4K through fourth grade for the 2012-13 school year. Change in Assignment requests from other areas of the district can be submitted beginning Dec. 1, and will be accepted based on first-come, first-serve as long as space is available.
The school system’s newest elementary school, Monarch Elementary (224 Five Forks Road, Simpsonville) is under construction and will open in August 2012.
Currently, the principal, Mrs. Vaughan Overman, is housed at Rudolph Gordon Elementary School. Change in School Assignment requests to attend Monarch Elementary will be accepted at Rudolph Gordon Elementary, located at 1507 Scuffletown Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
A second request for change in school assignment will begin Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Student assignment letters for the 2012-13 school year will be distributed to students in late March. If the request is approved, the assignment letter will reflect the student’s new school. If the request is not approved, the letter will indicate the child’s home-based school.
Parents with children attending school through a change in school assignment must provide transportation. School choice re-assignment may also affect athletic eligibility.
For students already attending a school by choice, renewal requests must be submitted each year. Parents who wish to RENEW their child’s assignment exception will receive a renewal form that will be sent home with eligible students by Thursday, Dec. 1.
The renewal request should be returned to the principal of the child’s current school by Wednesday, Dec. 7. Acceptance or denial of renewal requests will be reflected in the student assignment letters distributed to students in March.
Parents wishing to enroll their child in a Magnet Academy must download and complete the application at www.gcsmagnetacademies.org. Magnet Academy programs are available for students who qualify and are accepted for the seats available.
All first round applications must be received by noon on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at the desired Magnet Academy.
Questions should be referred to Ed Coles, Coordinator of Student Assignment, at (864) 355-7266 or e-mail at [email protected]. For further information regarding the school district’s school choice program, call INFOLine at 355-3100.