Explore
Welcome to the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO)! Here you can learn about the broad range of opportunities and public school options available to students throughout the Greater Hartford Region.
Explore your options here, and feel confident that you’re making the right choice for your child’s success. Learn how School Choice empowers families to choose their future!
Let us be your family’s tour guide to assist you in making an informed decision.
RSCO 2021-22 Family Guide
Check out the new RSCO Family Guide to School Choice in the Greater Harford Region for grades Pre-K to 12.
RSCO Schools and Programs for Hartford Resident Students
Did you know that your School Choice options extend beyond your own home district? Families with children entering PK-3 (age 3) through Grade 12 may apply to a broad range of public school options that are a part of Greater Hartford Region School Choice Program. These schools and programs offer a wide array of choices that meet the individual needs of students and families.
Magnet Schools (Grades PK3–12)
WHY CHOOSE A MAGNET SCHOOL?
Magnet schools are unique programs that focus on specific themes, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); visual and performing arts; International Baccalaureate; early childhood, and the Montessori method of teaching. There are many other enriching and engaging themes that may suit your child’s interests and skills! On top of unique themes and special programming integrated into the curriculum, magnet schools offer smaller class sizes and higher teacher-to-student ratios that provides academic enriching environment with like-minded students.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Families have the option to select from various magnet schools. Grades range between PK3 (age 3) through 12th grade. Families may apply to any magnet school that fits their child’s grade.
WHAT AGE DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TO APPLY FOR PK3, PK4, AND KINDERGARTEN?
Magnet schools have the following age requirements for incoming Pre-kindergarten (PK) and Kindergarten (K) students:
- PK3 (Prekindergarten Age 3): Child was born between September 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018;
- PK4 (Prekindergarten Age 4): Child was born between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017; or
- Kindergarten: Child was born between September 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, OR child was born between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, and has no previous schooling.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are 40 magnet schools located in Hartford and surrounding towns in the Greater Hartford Region with different grade levels and themes to meets students’ needs and interests. Use our Search page for a full list of all magnet schools, then click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Use our online application to apply to up to five (5) magnet schools in order of preference. You may also apply to Open Choice and if your child is entering 9th grade, the CTECS are also one of the options for your child.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL? RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for Hartford students in all grade levels, including PK, that attend a magnet school. Visit our transportation page for more information.
Open Choice Schools (Grades PK4 to 10)
WHY CHOOSE OPEN CHOICE?
Open Choice is a free program that provides the option for Hartford students to attend high-quality academic schools outside of their home district. Students learn in culturally diverse and enriching school communities to prepare them for future success in college, society, and in the workplace.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Hartford residents entering PK-4 (age 4) through Grade 10 may apply to the Open Choice program. Almost all grade levels are available.
WHAT AGE DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TO APPLY FOR PK4 AND KINDERGARTEN?
The Open Choice Program has the following age requirements for incoming Pre-kindergarten (PK) and Kindergarten (K) students:
- PK4 (Prekindergarten Age 4): Child was born between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017; or
- Kindergarten: Child was born between September 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, OR child was born between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, and has no previous schooling.
WHAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Families may select participating school districts that are in their residential zone. The table below shows the school districts available in your residential zone. Use our Search page for a full list of open choice districts, then sort by your zone, and click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
Hartford Residency Zone 1
Avon, Canton, East Granby, Granby, Simsbury, Suffield, West Hartford
Hartford Residency Zone 2
Bolton, Coventry, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somers, South Windsor, Tolland, Windsor Locks
Hartford Residency Zone 3
Berlin, Farmington, Newington, Plainville, Southington, Wethersfield
Hartford Residency Zone 4
Berlin, Cromwell, Glastonbury, Portland, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield
HOW DO I APPLY?
Use our online application to apply to up to five (5) school districts that are in your residential zone and rank them in order of preference. You can also apply to Magnet Schools and if your child is entering 9th grade, CTECS is also an option for your child on the application.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL?
RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for Hartford students in all grade levels, including PK, that attend an Open Choice school district. Visit our transportation page for more information.
Technical High Schools (CTECS) (Grades 9–12)
WHY CHOOSE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS?
By integrating 21st century trade education with rigorous academics, RSCO’s technical schools prepare students to begin working immediately after graduation or to enter the college classroom. Students graduate with a high school diploma and certificate in their field of study. Many students receive college credit or work experience that leads to apprenticeships during high school.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Only students entering Grade 9 may apply.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE
There are three technical high schools available through the RSCO application – A.I. Prince, E.C. Goodwin, and Howell Cheney. Use our Search page for a full list of the technical high schools, then click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Use our online application to apply using one application for all three (3) technical high schools, and rank them in order of preference. You can also apply to Magnet Schools and Open Choice districts.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL?
RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for Hartford students that attend one of these three technical high schools. Visit our transportation page for more information.
Agricultural Science and Technology Schools (ASTE) (Grades 9–12)
WHY CHOOSE ASTE?
ASTE schools prepare students for college and careers in the fields of animal science; aquaculture; biotechnology; food, environmental, and plant sciences; marine technology; agricultural mechanics technology; and agriculture business. Many programs provide opportunities for college credit during high school.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Only students entering Grade 9 may apply.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are three ASTE programs available to Hartford students in Bloomfield, Glastonbury and Suffield. Visit our Search page for a full list of the ASTE Programs, then click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Families complete a separate ASTE paper application and submit it directly to the school. This ASTE program is not part of the RSCO on-line application.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL
RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for Hartford students that attend one of these ASTE programs. Visit our transportation page for more information.
RSCO Schools and Programs for Non-Hartford Resident Students
Did you know that your School Choice options extend beyond your own home district? Families with children entering PK-3 (age 3) through Grade 12 may apply to a broad range of unique and high quality public school options that are a part of the Greater Hartford Region School Choice Program. These schools and programs offer a wide array of choices that meet the individual needs of students and families.
Magnet Schools (Grades PK3-12)
WHY CHOOSE A MAGNET SCHOOL?
Magnet schools are unique programs that focus on specific themes, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); visual and performing arts; International Baccalaureate; early childhood, and the Montessori method of teaching. There are many other enriching and engaging themes that may suit your child’s interests and skills! On top of unique themes and special programming integrated into the curriculum, magnet schools offer smaller class sizes and higher teacher-to-student ratios that provides academic enriching environment with like-minded students.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Families have the option to select from various magnet schools. Grades range between PK3 (age 3) through 12th grade. Families may apply to any magnet school that fits their child’s grade.
WHAT AGE DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TO APPLY FOR PK3, PK4, AND KINDERGARTEN?
Magnet schools have the following age requirements for incoming Pre-kindergarten (PK) and Kindergarten (K) students:
- PK3 (Prekindergarten Age 3): Child was born between September 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018;
- PK4 (Prekindergarten Age 4): Child was born between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017; or
- Kindergarten: Child was born between September 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, OR child was born between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, and has no previous schooling.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are 40 magnet schools located in Hartford and surrounding towns in the Greater Hartford Region with different grade levels and themes to meets students’ needs and interests. Use our Search page for a full list of all magnet schools, then click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Use our online application to apply to up to five (5) magnet schools in order of preference. You may also apply to Open Choice and if your child is entering 9th grade, the CTECS are also one of the options for your child.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL?
RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for students who live in Hartford County, including the towns of Andover, Bolton, Coventry Cromwell, East Hampton, Ellington, Harwinton, Hebron, Middletown, New Hartford, Portland, Somers, Tolland, and Vernon. Students are generally picked up and dropped off at a centralized bus stop. If a student lives in the same town as the choice school he or she is attending, the local district is responsible for transportation services to and from school and families should contact the local district for their child’s transportation information. Visit our transportation page for more information.
Open Choice Schools (Grades K-8)
WHY CHOOSE OPEN CHOICE?
Open Choice for non-Hartford residents is a free program option that provides students who live outside of Hartford with the opportunity to attend certain schools in Hartford with unique programming. Through Open Choice, suburban resident students are able to access the benefits of special programming in Hartford schools and enroll in a diverse school setting to prepare them for future success.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Suburban residents entering Kindergarten through 8th grade may apply to Open Choice through the RSCO application. Almost all grade levels are available.
WHAT AGE DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TO APPLY FOR KINDERGARTEN?
The Open Choice Program has the following age requirements for incoming Kindergarten (K) students:
- Kindergarten: Child was born between September 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, OR child was born between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, and has no previous schooling.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
Families may select participating Harford public schools as part of the application. Use our Search page for a full list of open choice schools, then click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Use our online application to apply to up to one or all of the specialized Hartford school programs that fit your child’s grade and rank them in order of preference. You can also apply to Magnet Schools or, if you child is entering 9th grade, to participating technical schools on you application.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL?
RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for students who live in Hartford County, including the towns of Andover, Bolton, Coventry Cromwell, East Hampton, Ellington, Harwinton, Hebron, Middletown, New Hartford, Portland, Somers, Tolland, and Vernon. Students are generally picked up and dropped off at a centralized bus stop. If a student lives in the same town as the choice school he or she is attending, the local district is responsible for transportation services to and from school and families should contact the local district for their child’s transportation information. Visit our transportation page for more information.
Technical High Schools (CTECS) (Grades 9-12)
WHY CHOOSE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS?
By integrating 21st century trade education with rigorous academics, RSCO’s technical schools prepare students to begin working immediately after graduation or to enter the college classroom. Students graduate with a high school diploma and certificate in their field of study. Many students receive college credit or work experience that leads to apprenticeships during high school.
WHICH GRADES ARE AVAILABLE?
Only students entering Grade 9 may apply.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are three technical high schools available through the RSCO application – A.I. Prince, E.C. Goodwin, and Howell Cheney. Use our Search page for a full list of the technical high schools, then click on the school name for detailed overviews, fantastic facts about the school, and so much more!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Use our online application to apply using one application for all three (3) technical high schools, and rank them in order of preference. You can also apply to Magnet Schools and Open Choice districts.
HOW DOES MY CHILD GET TO SCHOOL?
RSCO Transportation provides safe and reliable transportation services for students who live in Hartford County, including the towns of Andover, Bolton, Coventry Cromwell, East Hampton, Ellington, Harwinton, Hebron, Middletown, New Hartford, Portland, Somers, Tolland, and Vernon. Students are generally picked up and dropped off at a centralized bus stop. If a student lives in the same town as the choice school he or she is attending, the local district is responsible for transportation services to and from school and families should contact the local district for their child’s transportation information. Visit our transportation page for more information.
