MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It is almost that time of year again, when parents will line up to apply to get their kids into Optional Schools.
WREG sat down with Shelby County Schools Thursday to learn more about what parents should be doing now and the day bar-coded application pick-up begins January 25.
Before any tents go up outside the Shelby County School Board building, SCS said it wants to encourage parents not to set up camp.
“You don’t have to camp out. Ninety-nine percent of our students last year got in their school of choice. The parents have the right to put one or two choices on their application,” said Director of Optional Schools and Advanced Academics Linda Sklar.
She said she understands parents’ determination to pick up their child’s bar-coded application for any of the 47 Optional Schools in the district on day one, and she agreed that for many programs, picking up an application on the first day is important.
“Optional Schools are theme-based programs for kids ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade,” she explained.
Sixth grader Matthew Stroud attends Snowden School, which has an Optional Program for student enrichment.
“Being in the Optional Program gives you that extra challenge that you need,” Stroud said.
Sklar said it is true that some Optional Programs have only a few slots, but the programs the majority of parents want, like for first grade, have more.
High School programs have traditionally had more availability too.
Sklar said many of the students who do not get into their desired program do not meet the specific school’s qualifications.
“That’s the issue sometimes,” she explained.
That is why she said it is important for parents to check out the Optional Program they want for their child ahead of time and ask about qualifications.
Parents can pick up their priority bar-coded application starting Monday, January 25 from 6:30 a.m. until 5p.m.
They may also pick up applications Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parents of students who are already enrolled in SCS can complete the application process online.
Those whose children do not attend SCS must apply in person.
The bar-coded applications hold parents’ place in line to complete a priority application anytime before Friday, January 29 at 5 p.m.
If an Optional Program received more applicants than spots, an Equal Access Selection Process begins.
That means 80% of the spots will be first-come, first-serve.
A computer randomly picks the remaining 20% of student applications, subject to sibling preference.
Application for Optional Programs continues after this priority window.
Sklar encourages parents with questions to contact her office at 901-416-5338 or the schools’ principals.
There is more information here.