four images of students, prek, elementary, middle and graduate

Enrollment and School Choice

Get to Know Your School Options

Hartford Public Schools (HPS) is committed to ensuring our families are engaged and inspired by the school options we have to offer. Our school choices include specialized district schools and theme-based magnet schools; each offers a unique curriculum that prepares our students to be successful in and beyond school. Additional opportunities are offered through our partnerships with the CT State Department of Education’s Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) and other educational providers.

EXPLORE

HPS provides more educational opportunities to Hartford residents and suburban families in the Greater Hartford region.  Explore below to learn more about school options and the pathways to access them!

CHOOSE

As a parent, you know your child best. This process is about using that knowledge to select a learning environment that is the best fit for your children and their future.

You can start by taking a few moments to think and talk with your child about:

  • What does your child like?

  • What makes your child unique?

  • What motivates your child to explore and learn?

  • What other factors are most important to you (e.g. school’s distance from home, afterschool clubs and sports)?

APPLY

There are two separate applications for families applying to Hartford District Schools and to the Regional School Choice Office Schools (RSCO).

Contact Us

Email: SchoolChoice@HartfordSchools.org | Call: 860-695-8876 | Visit: 280 Trumbull Street, Ground Level, Hartford, CT

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

DISTRICT SCHOOLS

  • Applications to our District (non-magnet) schools are open to Hartford residents only using the HPS District Choice Placement Process.

  • HPS District Choice Placement process On-Time application opens on January 8, 2025 and closes on April 2, 2025.

  • HPS District Choice Placement process Extended application opens on April 16, 2025 and closes on June 11, 2025.

  • If your child is new to the District and in need of a school placement please complete an HPS online registration or, call our offices at (860) 695-8876 or email our School Choice team

RSCO MAGNET/OPEN CHOICE/TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

  • Applications to RSCO Magnet/Open Choice/Technical schools are open to Hartford and Suburban residents using the Regional School Choice Office application.

  • The RSCO Magnet/Open Choice/ CTECS On-Time application for the 2025-26 school year opens on December 3, 2024 and closes on February 7, 2025

  • The RSCO Magnet/Open Choice Extended application opens in Mid-March of 2025 by schools/ grades on a limited basis as needed.

  • The CTECS - (Connecticut Technical Education and Career System)There is no early CTECS deadline for the 2025-26 school year application.

  • Check www.chooseyourschool.org for updates.