School Choice
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Grades 1-12: The application period for Delaware's "School Choice" Program will open on November 4, 2024 and close on January 8, 2025. After this period, the only new applications that will be considered are those from families who meet the criteria for "Good Cause," and the parents/legal guardians of a child entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2025. An application for the School Choice Program can be found by going to www.schoolchoicede.org.
Students in grades 1-12 applying for school choice outside the application window must complete a Good Cause Affidavit in order to be considered for school choice.
Thursday, February 28, 2025 – Parents/legal guardians notified of Invitation Status by the District.
Friday, March 14, 2025 – Parents/legal guardians responsible for notifying the District of Acceptance Decision. (Due to high demand, Districts cannot maintain openings for families who do not respond affirmatively by the established deadline.)
Kindergarten: School Choice remains open until the first day of school provided there is available capacity. An application for the School Choice Program can be found by going to www.schoolchoicede.org.
Families who filed a Kindergarten 'Choice' application on or before the second Wednesday in January, will receive confirmation of the status of their request prior to our annual kindergarten registration.
Kindergarten applications should be submitted no later than August 1 in order to assure your child start school at the beginning of the year should they qualify.
Important: Families who live outside the District will need to pre-register at their home school before registration can occur in Lake Forest.
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA (in order of priority): In order for a student to qualify for acceptance into the School Choice Program in the Lake Forest School District, the student’s academics, attendance, and discipline history must be in good standing. Priority for acceptance will be given in the following order:
Returning students who continue to meet the school requirements.
Siblings of students already enrolled in the school who will be returning to the school for the following academic year. Siblings of students living in the district will be given priority over siblings not living in the district.
Children of employees.
Students living within the Lake Forest School District (K-3 only).
Students residing outside the district.
Within each category, if applications for the school exceed the number of available seats, a lottery process will be used for selection. All remaining students will be placed on the "wait list" based on category and random number within that category.
CRITERIA FOR DISAPPROVAL OF APPLICATION Disapproval of applications will occur if any of the following occur:
Requested school has reached capacity and cannot accommodate the request.
The student has committed an action at in the past school year that resulted in suspension of any kind or expulsion.
The student missed more than 10 days of school the previous school year or was tardy more than five times.
The student has received a failing grade on their report card over the previous school year.
Students enrolled in school through school choice will have their school choice revoked if any of the above occur.
HIGHLIGHTS:
In accordance with State law, families will be given until the second Wednesday in January to submit "school choice" applications for the following year.
Parents/legal guardians may continue to apply for "choice" consideration if good cause exists.
IMPORTANT: Students who are not already registered in a Delaware public school must register at their feeder pattern/resident school before they can apply for consideration in the "school choice" program.
Families who live outside the feeder pattern for the choice school must be prepared to transport their child to school, or to the nearest available bus stop that falls within the choice school's feeder pattern. Bus assignments and stops for all choice students will be issued by the Transportation Department prior to the first day of school. Once the pick-up and drip-off locations are established, parents must assume the responsibility to have the student at the designated location. Parent/legal guardians are responsible for picking up their child at the bus stop when school is dismissed early or if the opening of school is delayed.
The rules of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) shall be followed with regard to the eligibility of transferring students. For a copy of the DIAA handbook, contact DIAA at (302) 857-3365.
QUESTIONS:
If you have a question regarding the School Choice program or application process, please contact Laura Gott at (302) 284-3020, schoolchoice@lf.k12.de.us.
BACKGROUND:
The School Choice Program falls under Delaware State Law-Title 14, Chapter 4. For a copy, click here.
Families interested in the School Choice Program are strongly encouraged to read the Lake Forest School District Public School Choice/ Open Enrollment Policy.
Families who do not have access to a computer or need assistance with the application process are encouraged to contact the Lake Forest Central Business Office to schedule an appointment for assistance with submitting an application. If you have a question regarding the School Choice program or application process, please contact the Lake Forest School Choice Secretary at (302) 284-3020 or schoolchoice@lf.k12.de.us
Lake Forest School District does not discriminate in employment or in educational programs, services or activities based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, military/veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected class in accordance with state and federal laws. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resources Director, Lake Forest Central Business Office, 5423 Killens Pond Road, Felton, DE 19943. Telephone: (302)284-3020. Persons with disabilities or other special needs are encouraged to make contact as soon as possible, in order that reasonable accommodations can be made.