Choice of School Changes

What's New for the 2008-09 School Year?

How students are assigned to schools

New, individual forms have been developed for elementary and secondary selections.

In the past, certain schools have been overcrowded in one or more grade levels, but not in ALL grades. If a family had more than one child, there was a possibility that one child might receive their first choice, but the other be assigned to the second choice school. To help the district make appropriate decisions in cases like this, the Elementary Choice of School form now includes a “family preference” option. With this option, a family can indicate whether:

  • It is more important to have all of their children at the same campus, even if none of their choices can be honored; or
  • It is more important to receive one of their choices, whenever possible, even if their children must attend different campuses

The Open-Enrollment 30-day Choice Period will occur in the spring semester. This year, elementary and secondary will have two separate open enrollment periods, which are as follows:

  • Secondary Choice Period (Grades 5-11)
    January 29 – February 29
  • Elementary Choice Period (Grades PreK-4)
    February 28 – March 28

The Magnet School Application Period will begin during the fall semester and continue into the spring semester, concluding prior to the 30-day Choice of School periods for both elementary and secondary schools.

Choices made by the parents of elementary students during the 2008-09 Choice period will stay active as long as the student remains enrolled in the Garland ISD unless one of the following conditions occurs:

  • Student moves from elementary to middle school
  • Student moves from middle school to high school
  • Parent wishes to make a new choice during the 30-day Choice of School period
  • Secondary students who do not submit a choice of school form during the 30-day Choice of School period will be automatically assigned to their last location.


What Will Remain The Same?

  • Garland ISD will annually offer a 30-day Open Enrollment Choice of School period for the following school year
  • Choice of School requests are honored based on the capacity of the school
  • Assignments are processed by priority:
    1. Residing within a designated walk or transportation zone
    2. Proximity to campus
    3. Family preference