Charlene M. Russell-Tucker Commissioner | Connecticut Department of Education
Families in the Greater Hartford Region can now apply for free public school options for the 2026-27 academic year. The Connecticut State Department of Education’s Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) has opened its online application, which will remain available until February 6, 2026.
The RSCO program allows families to choose from more than 40 public magnet schools, districts participating in Open Choice, and three technical high schools that are part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). The application is open to all Connecticut students entering prekindergarten through grade 12 at www.ChooseYourSchool.org.
According to RSCO, "Families must apply by February 6, 2026, to access the widest range of options and for the best chance of receiving a placement offer. Placement notifications will begin in late February 2026 for the CTECS schools and in March 2026 for magnet schools and the Open Choice program. A late application period will open in mid-March 2026 for limited grades, schools, and programs based on waitlist size."
Currently, nearly 20,000 students are enrolled in choice schools across the region. These schools provide academic programs as well as athletic and extracurricular activities. Free transportation is available for K-12 students from 43 towns.
The RSCO website offers information about school options and aims to make it easier for families to navigate their choices.
For additional details or to submit an application, families can visit ChooseYourSchool.org or follow RSCO on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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