The Open Choice program was established by legislation in 1997 to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation and improve academic achievement among students. Through the Open Choice program, students living in urban areas have the opportunity to apply to attend school in participating suburban school districts when space is available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Eric Nyquist
Open Choice Coordinator
nyquiste@cestrumbull.org
(203)-365-8857
Karen Barnes
Administrative Assistant
barnesk@cestrumbull.org
(203)-365-8930
Open Choice Informational Video
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME
INFORMATION ABOUT KINDERGARTEN APPLICATIONS:
The Connecticut General Statute Public Act 23-208 now requires that children turn five years old on or before September 1st to be admitted into kindergarten. The law does specify that school districts are required to implement an exemption process for families that request one. You are welcome to apply for Open Choice for a student entering kindergarten who is born between September 2nd and December 31st. However, should your child be selected in the process, you will then need to apply for an exemption through the district to which you are assigned. Each district will have its own evaluation process to determine if your child is eligible to begin kindergarten early. If your child is deemed eligible, they will be enrolled for the fall of 2024. If your child is deemed ineligible, they will be removed from Open Choice for this year. You may re-apply for the Open Choice Lottery next year, or request an exemption for your child from the district in which you reside.
The application window for OPEN CHOICE will open for the 2024-2025 school year on January 15 of 2024 and will close on March 15, 2024.
Reminder: Only families who are being offered spots for next year will be contacted. If you have any questions, please contact us at 203.365.8857. Thank you!