Boston Public Schools launches 2009-2010 school choice process

BOSTON – Boston Public Schools (BPS) has launched the school selection process for the 2009-2010 school year. Over the next few months families can take advantage of information sessions, open houses, and other opportunities to learn more about the choices available to them in the Boston Public Schools, including new program options starting in September 2009. Registration begins in January for students entering kindergarten and grades 6 and 9 in September 2009 and in February for students entering all other grades.
 
What’s new in BPS for 2009-2010?

The Boston School Committee last month approved many changes recommended by Superintendent Carol R. Johnson in her “Pathways to Excellence” plan, including the expansion, relocation, consolidation, merger and closing of some schools, effective September 2009. The plan creates six new K-8 programs and expands one other K-8 school, resulting in 6,000 additional seats for students in programs that span kindergarten through grade 8, an increase of more than 60%. The School Committee also approved the expansion and creation of several pilot schools (in-district charter schools), which will create access to pilot schools for approximately 2,000 more students. For more information on all of the changes approved for next year visit, www.bostonpublicschools.org/pathways.

How can families learn more about choices in the Boston Public Schools?

• School Preview Time – offered at the elementary level since 2000 – became district-wide in 2006 and takes place in all Boston Public Schools. Between November 3 and January 23, schools will host open houses, school tours and other activities to welcome prospective families.  Visit www.bostonpublicschools.org/node/163 for the schedule of tours and open houses.

• Families can learn more about the school selection process at an informal Family Information Session on Tuesday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lilla Frederick Middle School. The interactive workshop will include information about how the student assignment process works, how to make informed school choices, and how to register a child for school.

• The annual citywide Showcase of Schools will take place Saturday, December 13 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury.  The Showcase offers families an opportunity to meet representatives from all Boston Public Schools under one roof and serves as a way for families to make choices about which schools they would like to visit and learn more about during School Preview Time.

• Families will receive a variety of publications to help them navigate the school choice process, including the current issue of Family Matters, which has helpful tips for choosing schools, and Ready, Set, Go! – a step-by-step checklist to register for school.  These publications are also available online, in schools, Family Resource Centers, Boston public libraries and community centers, among other locations.

• The registration section of the BPS web site includes BPSExpress, a pre-registration tool that generates customized applications for families based on their home address.  

For more information about school choice, visit the Boston Public Schools website at www.bostonpublicschools/register.