School Choice Open Enrollment FAQ

School Choice Open Enrollment applications are ONLY accepted from February 1 through March 1

Only electronic / online applications will be accepted.

Each child must have a separate application.

Applications for multiple children, multiple schools or incomplete applications will not be considered

Requests to attend a Pasco County school, if you live in another county, will require a release from your HOME County. The approved release must be received within the Open Enrollment period.

If you have a student currently on School Choice, you do not need to reapply UNLESS:

Your address changed after initial approval
You reside outside of Pasco County
If the student will be moving to the next school level (Elementary to Middle OR Middle to High)

FAQ’s

What is School Choice Open Enrollment?
Each year from February 1 through March 1, parents are able to submit a request for their child to attend a school, other than the assigned school of attendance, for the following school year.
Will an application submitted on February 1st be given preference over an application submitted March 1st?
No. Applications submitted during open enrollment are given equal consideration, regardless of whether they were submitted the first day of open enrollment or the last day.
Where can I get a paper application, I don’t have a computer, etc?
Applications are online only. Computers are available at your zoned school or the public library.
Is a valid e-mail address needed in order to submit an application electronically? No. Applications may be submitted electronically even if a parent does not have a valid e-mail address. Computer access to the Internet is available at public libraries.
If a student is attending a Pasco County school via School Choice and his/her sibling will be entering kindergarten in the Fall, does the parent need to fill out a School Choice application for the second child?
Absolutely yes. This applies to all levels.
If a student is attending a Pasco County school via School Choice, will his/her sibling be given priority approval?
Class Size Amendment remains a priority in our District. Placement of siblings within the same school is facilitated whenever feasible provided the appropriate educational services are available for each sibling and placement does not impact class size.
Will hardship applications after the March 1 deadline be accepted?
Only applicants with documented legal or medical hardship will be accepted after March 1. Please refer to the Guidelines for specific limited conditions.
I live in Pasco but want to go to another county.
Follow the links to the Out of County Release Application Form on the School Choice web site.
What are my options if I do not get approved for my School of Choice request?
Some additional options may be:
- Pasco e-School
- McKay Scholarship - If your child has an IEP or 504, they may qualify for the McKay Scholarship.
- No Child Left Behind or Florida Opportunity Scholarship - Certain schools in Pasco County may qualify for School Choice options under No Child Left Behind or Florida Opportunity Scholarship. If your assigned school qualifies for one of these programs, notification will be mailed directly from your school of attendance during the summer months with details regarding the specific program your school has qualified for.

Is transportation provided if I am approved for School Choice?
No. The parent is responsible for transportation of a student approved to attend a school of choice through the open enrollment process.
I reside outside of Pasco, what do I need to do?
Out of County students must receive a release from their home county in addition to submitting a School Choice application requesting a school in Pasco County by the March 1st deadline. An Out of County request cannot be processed until we receive a release from the home county. Out of County requests must be presented to the School Board for formal approval. The School Board meets twice a month. You will not be able to enroll the student in a Pasco school until formal School Board approval is given.
How will I know if you received my application online?
Once you complete the application and hit “submit”, the next page will state “Application Received for Consideration” along with other information pertinent to your request. It is advised that you print this page for your records as this will serve as your “receipt” confirming the date of submission. If you provided a VALID email address, an email will be sent to you confirming receipt of application and anticipated timelines for determinations. Due to high volume during the Open Enrollment period, it may take up to five business days to receive the email confirmation. We can not stop to check the database to see if we received your request.
When will I find out if I have been approved for my school of choice? I submitted my application within the Open Enrollment period.
Our goal is to respond to the parents of high school students by the end of April, middle school and elementary school by the end of the current school year. However, our ability to meet these goals will greatly depend on volume of requests received.
My child is currently serving Out of School Suspension or being recommended for Expulsion. Can I still request School Choice?
No. School Choice requests for students involved in the discipline process will be addressed after the disciplinary matter has been resolved.
Why do we have School Choice?
The District School Board of Pasco County, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, is committed to helping all students to be successful learners and to achieve their highest potential. Well-informed, involved parents are vital to successful learning. School choice is one way the School Board offers opportunities for parent involvement and increased student achievement.
How are school attendance boundaries designated?
The School Board approves geographical boundaries that determine each school’s attendance area. The attendance area in which a student’s home address is located determines the school the student is assigned to attend. A student’s assigned school is sometimes referred to as the neighborhood or zoned school. Most students attend their assigned school. For students identified as needing exceptional student education services, the student’s assigned school is determined by the location of needed services within designated geographical areas. The school may be the neighborhood school or the closest school that provides the services the student needs.
Can students attend team tryouts or other extracurricular activities at a school of choice before they have been approved to attend the requested school?
No. Students cannot participate in tryouts or other extracurricular activities at a school of choice until they have been approved to attend that school. In addition the District School Board of Pasco County adheres to all policies and rules of the Florida High School Athletic Association regarding transfer students.
Can School Choice Open Enrollment approval be rescinded?
Approval to attend a school of choice may be rescinded if:
- Incorrect or false information was provided in the Application for School Choice Open Enrollment;
- It is determined by district and school personnel that enrollment at a school of choice is having a negative impact on a student’s educational progress;
- The student withdraws from a course of study that was the basis for enrollment at the school of choice.

Navigation

Download: Home Education Information Packet
Letter to Open Home Education Program (español)
Letter to Close Home Education Program

Students in Transition Program/Homeless Students: Please contact Erika Remsberg, Homeless Liaison for Pasco County Schools
813-794-4980

Florida's central web resource for students and parents. Visit FACTS.org and ePEP for your "one stop" shopping for high school and post secondary academic career explanation, decision-making, and planning.