(Bradenton, FL - January 6, 2010) Parents who would like to send their child to a school other than the one to which they are assigned for the 2010-2011 school year, need to apply during the School Choice Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Tuesday, January 19th - Friday, February 5, 2010.

The School Choice Open Enrollment Period is the only time during the year when parents can apply to have their child attend another school without giving a specified reason for the move. School Choice applications are available at school sites and can be found online at www.manateeschools.net by clicking on the link under “HOT TOPICS” titled “School Choice.” School Choice Applications can also be obtained at the School District´s award-winning Parent Information Center, located at 234 Manatee Avenue East, in Bradenton.

School Choice decisions may be of particular interest to parents of students moving from elementary to middle school, and from middle to high school because of the variety of magnet themes and academy programs offered at district schools. In addition, parents may use School Choice to enroll their child in International Baccalaureate programs offered at Wakeland Elementary, Johnson Middle and Southeast High.

Approval of School Choice applications are subject to enrollment capacities and other demographic criteria. For the 2010-11 school year, Braden River High School will be closed to choice applications.

Choice options for elementary students are limited to schools within a specific geographical cluster. Choice options for middle school students are limited to specific geographical regions. High school students can use School Choice to attend any high school; however a student cannot choice to another school once they have completed the 10th grade. It´s important to note that students new to the school system will need to present a certified birth certificate at the time they apply for school choice. Also, the Choice application must be completed by the enrolling parent of record.

The AYP School Choice period affiliated with the federal No Child Left Behind Act will be held during the same time as the open enrollment period for School Choice for seven elementary schools. Those seven schools are: Ballard, Daughtrey, Manatee, Oneco, Orange Ridge-Bullock, Samoset and Tillman. Parents at each of these schools will be notified by letter and by phone about their AYP School Choice options. The Jan. 19th to Feb. 5th time frame is the only time during the school year when AYP School Choice with transportation will be available to parents in these schools.

For further information on any School Choice options available through the Manatee School District, please contact the Parent Information Center at 708-4971. You can also visit the Parent Information Center website at http://www.schools.manatee.k12.fl.us/6115RIKER/6115riker1/choice.html