Schools of Choice
There are many options for quality education within Kent ISD. Our School of Choice plan is designed to provide the best possible education for most families who choose their home district while accommodating those who would like to transfer to another school in grades K-12.*
Deadlines for the 2025-2026 Choice Plan
- Applications accepted April 14 - May 16. You can request a Schools of Choice application form from either your resident district or choice district during the application period only. Complete and return the application to the district of choice.
- Parents will be notified by May 28 if the student is accepted
- Parents confirm the decision to attend by June 4
- Wait list families notified about openings and confirm the decision to attend by June 20
- School of Choice slots not filled during the initial application period remain open until August 18.
How Schools of Choice Works
The Kent ISD School of Choice plan is a lottery-oriented system, not a first-come, first-served one. All applications are accepted from the opening date through the deadline date at 4 p.m. An application will be available once the enrollment window opens. Only one application may be submitted and families who submit more than one may be disqualified from the entire process.
There is no advantage to submitting an application early, since all applications are considered at the end of the application period. If a district has more applications than openings, a random drawing will take place the week of May 19 . If a district has slots remaining after the deadline, they can accept students until August 18. Please review the Plan and Brochure to learn about the plan, rules, and considerations for families.
Please note:
Many districts accept SOC applications online via their website. See the list of area school websites here.
*The Collaborative Schools of Choice Program is only for grades Kindergarten through 12. Schools of Choice does not apply to preschool or special education transition programming.
School of Choice Spaces Available by District
Spaces may not be available for every grade.
Be sure to see the district website for full details.
Slots Available per district: Coming Soon!
Byron Center - 20 K-6th (10 for siblings only)
Caledonia - 150
Cedar Springs - Unlimited
Comstock Park - 91 for 1st thru 11th grade. Unlimited for K.
East Grand Rapids - 41 (K, 1st, 3rd and 4th only)
Forest Hills - 200
Godfrey-Lee - 153
Godwin Heights - 400
Grand Rapids - 500
Grandville - 175 (75 Kindergarten, 100 1st thru 10th grade)
Kelloggsville - 350
Kenowa Hills - 145
Kent City - 10
Kentwood - 17 spots per grade for 1st thru 8th grade. 17 spots in K for siblings only.
Lowell - 118
Northview - 210
Rockford - 150
Sparta - 220
Thornapple Kellogg - 70
Wyoming - 150
10 Considerations When Choosing a School
1. Does the school and the community match your expectations? Are buildings presentable? Are teachers and students friendly?
2. What special services does the school offer? Does it offer the special needs or gifted and talented programming your child might require? Do the extracurricular and athletic offerings match your child's interests?
3. Does the curriculum meet state and national standards? Does the curriculum help prepare children for the realities of the working world and the diverse people they will meet? Does the district offer special programming focused in areas of interest to your child?
4. How does the school integrate technology into the classroom? Is technology integrated into the curriculum? Does the school have a well-equipped media center?
5. How does the school communicate with families? Do the opportunities for parent involvement meet your needs and desires? Are parents involved in their children's education?
6. What is the student-teacher ratio? Will your child get the attention he or she needs to succeed? Are students actively engaged in their education? Is there a sufficient mix of teaching and self-guided instruction to engage your child?
7. Will school or self-provided transportation meet your child's needs? Will transportation capabilities allow your child to participate in the before- or after-school activities that meet his or her needs and interests?
8. Will there be consistency in the curriculum, the staff, and in your child's friends from year to year?
9. How does the school handle disciplinary matters? What is the parent's involvement in disciplinary matters?
10. What is the school doing to meet demands for improved student achievement? Are parents, teachers and administrators actively involved in efforts to ensure curriculum and technology are current and appropriate for student needs?
Special Considerations for Families
To learn about school districts for your child, review the district websites, visit the schools, meet district staff and review information on the Michigan Department of Education website. Also, consider the following:
- Transportation is not provided for Schools of Choice students; parents must provide their own transportation.
- Michigan law and the Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association agree that siblings should be kept together in a single district whenever possible. As a result, siblings of current Choice students may receive preference in filling district openings.
- The Michigan High School Athletic Association requires students in grades 10-12 to wait one semester after enrolling in a new district (under Schools of Choice) before they can participate in athletics. For more information, visit the FAQ’s on MHSAA’s website.
