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At City Schools, students have the choice to choose and apply for the middle or high school of their choice.
City Schools is in the process of finalizing plans for this year’s Middle & High School Choice process, inclusive of a virtual Choice Fair that is scheduled to launch on December 4, 2020. Using Campus Portal, 5th and 8th-grade families will be able to complete and submit their Choice applications between December 1st and January 22nd.
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. However, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent school closures, the U.S. Department of Education waived requirements for Maryland school districts to participate in annual standardized testing. Given the disparate impacts of COVID on our students and our commitment to equity, we have decided not to include attendance and standardized test scores as part of the calculation for composite scores.
Choice applications for students will be available on December 1st. Students and families will be able to complete and submit their choice applications between December 1st and January 22nd 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).
Also, the annual choice fair will be launched virtually starting Friday, December 4th.
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 canvisit 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.
Additionally, the Office of College and Career Readiness is hosting a district wide Articulation ZOOM Platform sessions. These sessions are intended to provide students and families with an opportunity to speak directly to representatives as well as a student from the schools of their choice. The High School Choice Articulation sessions will take place from 12/8 - 12/10 (2:00pm & 3:15pm.) The Middle School Choice Articulation sessions will take place from 12/15/20 - 12/17/20 (2:00pm & 3:15pm.). The Choice liaisons at each school will provide families the ZOOM link to these sessions later this month.
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.
Contact your school to find out who your school’s 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.
