1. What is School Choice?
An inter-state program that allows Massachusetts school districts to accept students from other Massachusetts towns. This program is only available to Massachusetts residents. Visit the DESE website for specifics.
2. What grades are available for School Choice?
Each year, the Superintendent and School Committee review the enrollment numbers to determine where School Choice openings may exist in our district. The grades and number of openings vary year to year. The information will be displayed at the top of this web page.
3. Each year, are all School Choice applicants accepted?
Students are accepted into the School Choice program via a lottery. This is based on the number of available openings in the grades listed on this web page.
4. Are School Choice applications considered in the order in which they are received?
No. There is a lottery system in place to randomly choose those students who are accepted into the program. The lottery is held publicly at the Central Office typically during the month of August. Families do not need to attend in order to be selected. An announcement is posted so all interested families can attend and/or those selected should expect to receive notification from us soon after the drawing.
5. How do I apply for School Choice?
School Choice requests will be processed through an online application found on this web page.
6. If my child is accepted as a School Choice student, do I need to reapply each year for them to remain in Westford Public Schools?
No. A child who has been accepted into the School Choice program will remain in the district, through grade 12, unless the parent, caregiver or legal guardian formally requests a return to the child's school district, by reason of residence.
7. Will my child transition with the same cohort when they move from one school to the next (Example: going from grade 2 at Robinson to grade 3 - a new school)?
School Choice enrollment is made to the district, not a specific school. Therefore, upon a school-level change, enrollment numbers will be reviewed, placement made and the family will be notified of the next-year school. This occurs in August.
Example: A School Choice Robinson School grade 2 student is transitioning to a new school for grade 3. The student will not automatically be transferred to either the Crisafulli or Day School. In this case, the district will review the enrollment numbers for grade 3 across the district and assign the School Choice student to the school with the lowest enrollment numbers.
8. If I wish to discontinue School Choice for my child at a school, what do I need to do?
If you wish to discontinue your child's School Choice at a school you must notify the Superintendent of Schools, in writing, between May 1st and the end of the school year.
9. When will I be notified of either acceptance or denial of my School Choice application?
Once the lottery takes place, the superintendent will review enrollment at all schools and determine placement. The district will notify those students who have been accepted into the School Choice program of the placement. We do not notify those families not selected.
10. Is transportation available for students who are School Choice?
No. The transportation of a School Choice student is the responsibility of the parent, caregiver or legal guardian. Parents must be willing to make this commitment for the duration of the School Choice status. Bus passes are not issued to School Choice students.
11. Can I pick the school I want my School Choice student to attend?
No. Placements can only be offered in schools in which availability has been determined by administration.
12. Who do I contact with specific questions about School Choice?
You may email the Superintendent's Excecutive Assistant via email at cmucci@westfordk12.us or call 978-692-5560 x2102.
