Schools of Choice
How Schools of Choice Works
There are many options for quality education within Kent ISD. Our Schools 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.*
The Kent ISD Schools 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 18 . If a district has slots remaining after the deadline, they can accept students until August 24. Please review the 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.
Deadlines for the 2026-2027 Choice Plan
- Applications accepted April 13 - May 15. 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 29 if the student is accepted
- Parents confirm the decision to attend by June 5
- Wait list families notified about openings and confirm the decision to attend by June 19
- School of Choice slots not filled during the initial application period remain open until August 24.
Click on any district below to be taken to their website.
Openings for 2026-27
Top 10 Questions to Consider
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?
More 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 County 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.
- School of Choice may impact an athlete's eligibility. For more information, please contact the MHSAA.
- Any appeals related to school of choice will be addressed directly by the local district.
