School choice offer letters were recently made available to families. We are aware that some families may not be able to access their notifications online. City Schools is actively working with our vendor to address and resolve these technical challenges as soon as possible.
Families with any questions can contact us at enrollment@bcps.k12.md.us.
You can access the portal here: https://parent.bcps-sems.com/login
We thank you for your patience!
Your Choice. Your Future. Your Way Forward.
Here at City Schools, your Choice is your pathway to possibilities. Our students can choose and apply for the middle or high school of their choice.
Update about School Choice Notifications
School Choice Process
Composite scores are needed for students applying to schools and programs with entrance criteria. Composite scores are calculated using grades and standardized test scores. The Spring 2023 MCAP assessment scores will be used for students participating in School Choice this year.
To calculate the final overall grade average used in the composite score calculation, we will look at three factors:
General overall grade point average
This year's first quarter grades. (8th or 5th grade) and
Last year's final grades. (7th or 4th grade)
Only the core subjects (English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) are used in the grade calculation.English & Language Arts MCAP assessment score
Math MCAP assessment score
Important Dates:
December 1: Composite scores and choice applications available for families in the new Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS): www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/SEMS
December 9: Annual School Choice fair held at the Baltimore Convention Center (10a-3p)
December 11: The Virtual School Choice platform will launch for families(cityschoolschoicefair.vfairs.com)
January 22: Choice applications are due in SEMS (www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/SEMS)
February 2: Charter applications are due.
Charter schools have their own application process. Please reach out directly to schools of interest for more information.
FAQ:
Please connect with your School Choice Liason for additional questions/concerns about the choice process.
We will be sending a monthly email dedicated to sharing information to help your family prepare for the process.
Additionally, please ensure that your contact information is current by completing your Annual Student Verification in Campus Portal to receive these notifications.
Additional support to families is available by district staff in the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfers (EMAIL) and Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center (EMAIL).
Choice Guides
Open Houses and School Visits
Visiting schools is the best way to see which school will be the “best fit” for you.
Most schools have at least one open house between November and January when you can visit and ask questions. If you can’t make it to a school's scheduled “open house,” call the school and ask if you can visit at a more convenient time.
Some schools also have shadow days, where you can partner with a current student and attend classes to get a real feel for the school.
Choice Applications
School Choice Liaison
Confused about something related to the high school choice process? No worries! There is a staff member at your current school who can help you find a high school that is perfect for you.
Click the link to see who your Choice School Liasion is. You can talk to this person about high school programs, which schools you’re eligible to attend, visiting schools you’re interested in, how to apply, and more.