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1. |
What is District School Choice?
District School Choice is also referred to as "controlled open
choice". Controlled Choice is an opportunity for parents and guardians
to choose a school for their children in another neighborhood or one
that offers a specialized program or curriculum. Enrollment is based on
available space.
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| 2. |
What is the difference between Choice, Charter and Magnet?
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Choice Programs - public schools that offer a
choice of curriculum and elective courses within the school, and
have no residential boundaries assigned to the school. |
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Choice Schools - public schools that offer a particular
curriculum throughout the school, and have no residential
boundaries assigned to the school. (Edgewood and West Shore have
defined boundaries) |
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Charter Schools - public schools that operate under a
performance contract or a charter, which frees them from most
rules and regulations created for traditional public schools. As
part of the contract with the school district, the charter
schools are held accountable for academic and financial results. |
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Magnet Schools - public specialty schools that offer
curriculums based on a specific theme or instructional method
while continuing to serve assigned residential populations. |
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| 3. |
Are there any other types of Choice options?
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John M McKay Scholarship Program - The John M.
McKay Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities is
established to provide the option for students with disabilities
for whom an IEP has been written, to attend a public school
other than the one to which the student is assigned or to
provide a scholarship to a private school of choice. |
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Opportunity Scholarship Program - allows students attending a
school that received an "F" for two (2) school years in a four
(4) year period to choose a higher performing public school or
attend a private school. Currently Brevard County has no “F”
schools. |
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Public School Choice - allows students attending a Title 1
school that has been identified as "School Improvement" to
attend another public school that is not in improvement status. |
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Applied Technology Programs - allows students to gain increase
access to applied technology (vocational/technical) programs and
courses available throughout Brevard County. |
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| 4. |
What kind of transportation is offered for Choice, Charter
and Magnet Schools?
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Choice Schools have corridor busing. There are
specific bus stops throughout the county where a student may
catch a bus. |
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Charter Schools may contract with the county to transport
students within a reasonable distance from the school (2-4
miles). |
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Magnet Schools have corridor busing. There are specific bus
stops throughout the county where a student may catch a bus. |
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A student who accesses a John M. McKay Scholarship to a
private school, is never provided transportation by the school
district. A student who accesses a John M. McKay Scholarship to
a public school, is offered transportation from the school
district only if the student resides between two and four miles
from the chosen public school site.
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| 5. |
Is it necessary to apply for Choice, Charter and Magnet
Schools?
Yes, all Choice, Charter, and Magnet Schools have applications and
timelines. Contact the school for more information.
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| 6. |
What services are provided to meet exceptional needs
students?
All schools provide some services to special needs students. Contact
the school for more information.
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| 7. |
How many Charter Schools are in Brevard County and what
grade levels are served?
There are 8 Charter Schools in Brevard at this time and they serve
grade K-9.
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| 8. |
Do Schools of Choice have to follow state guidelines for
testing?
Yes, they must follow all the same testing guidelines. John M. McKay
Scholarship Program students enrolled in private schools are eligible to
take statewide assessments at their neighborhood public school site.
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| 9. |
Can a sibling automatically go to the same school?
Guidelines have been established for each school/program to address
preferences for siblings. Contact the school for more information.
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| 10. |
How can I get more information?
Contact the Office of School Choice at 321-633-1000, extension 395 or
call the specific school directly.
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