Gadsden County School District Controlled Open Enrollment Plan 2021-2022

DEFINITION:

A School Choice program is defined as a system that allows a student residing outside a school's attendance zone to attend that school based on that student's interest, unique learning style, or the school's specialized area of curricular emphasis. The School Choice Program is offered in addition to existing choice programs such as charter schools, magnet schools, vocational school, alternative schools and exceptional education programs. Transportation will be provided to the extent possible for students interested in attending a school of their choice.

GOAL:

Choice programs are designed to maximize learning styles, interests and talents of all Gadsden County students, encourage parental choice and foster involvement that strengthens the quality of public school education.

RATIONALE:

Gadsden County schools strive to provide high quality instruction and learning opportunities for all its students through defined and developed individualized areas of curricular emphasis that adhere to state and district standards for student achievement. In spite of these efforts, public school enrollment in Gadsden County has continued to decline as parents relocate children to charter, private or out-of-county public schools perceived as better meeting their children's educational needs. In acknowledging the importance of matching students' learning needs with schools that best meet their needs, and recognizing that there is no one "best" school for everyone, Gadsden School Board was presented with school options of the "BEST CHOICES" Public School Choice Program.  Said guidelines are to be issued annually. In conjunction with this plan of choice, the Florida Legislature requires that each school district submit a plan that expands the options of school choice. Several school choice options and modified options are being provided within the county. Many of these options exist in direct response to Opportunity Scholarship Program, NCLB Adequate Yearly Progress, parental needs and requests to attend their community school within their attendance zone. While several of Gadsden County Schools merged, this plan seeks to streamline and increase the efficiency of educational services provided through the "BEST CHOICES" Parental Choice Program.

Gadsden County Choice Programs include S.T.E.M. Academies (Gadsden County High School); Information Technology Academies offered at Gadsden County High, West Gadsden Middle, Carter Parramore Academy, and James A. Shanks Middle School; Culinary Academies offered at Gadsden County High School and West Gadsden Middle School; Arts and Sciences Academy (S.T.E.A.M.) offered at Havana Magnet School; Alternative School at Carter-Parramore Academy; Exceptional Student Education at Gadsden Central Academy; Charter School at Crossroad Academy; Dual Enrollment at Gadsden County High School; Advanced Placement at Gadsden County High School; Highest Performing Schools are Gadsden Elementary Magnet School, Crossroad Academy, and Havana Magnet School; Career and Technical Education Programs are offered at Gadsden County High School and Crossroad Academy through Gadsden Technical Institute and Information Technology Academy at Havana Magnet School. Other Options include PAEC/FLVS Virtual; and Home Education.