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At City Schools, students have the choice to choose and apply for the middle or high school of their choice.
Updated Choice
For families who missed the original choice application deadline or want to try to apply to a different school than the one they were placed in, we offer a second round of choice.
Fill out the updated choice application and either mail it to 200 E. North Ave, Enrollment Choice and Transfers, Baltimore, MD 21202 or email it. If you do not have access to download, print, or email the updated application, please call 410-396-8600.
The deadline to fill out the updated choice application is April 15th. Decision letters will be mailed out by May 20th. If families do not fill out a choice application, students will be assigned a school.
Families can also submit their Decline Statements and Updated Choice applications via Campus Portal starting March 14th.
School Choice Process
This year, because of the pandemic, the formula for calculating a student's composite score will be adjusted. Composite scores are needed for students applying to schools and programs with entrance criteria. Typically, composite scores are calculated using attendance, grades, and standardized test scores. The Fall 2021 MCAP assessment scores were not returned in time to be used for the composite score formula. As a result, composite scores will be calculated using only grades for the 2022-23 SY cohort participating in School Choice this year.
To calculate your final grade average used in the composite score calculation, we will look at students’ final grades for 3rd and 4th grade and for 6th & 7th grade. The highest overall grade average will be used. We will look at your best grades and those will be the grades used for your composite score. The first quarter grades for the current 2021-22 school year will also be used in the calculation.
Choice applications for students will be available on December 1. Students and families will be able to complete and submit their choice applications between December 1 and January 21 in Campus Portal. Additional support to families is available by district staff in the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfers (Enrollment@bcps.k12.md.us) and Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center (MESC@bcps.k12.md.us).
Updated School Choice Applications
Choice Guides
School Visits and Open Houses
Visiting schools is the best way to see which school will be the “best fit” for you.
Many 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.
Many schools also have shadow days, where you can partner with a current student and attend classes to get a real feel for the school.
Find Open Houses and Shadow Days >>
School Choice Liaisons
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.
Find your choice liaison >
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.
