FAQs & RESOURCES
PLACEMENT PROCESS
SCHOOL DIRECTORY
SCHOOL OPTIONS
WHY HPS?
2020-2021
SCHOOL SELECTION GUIDE
WE BELIEVE IN... OUR MISSION,
VISION, AND
our beautiful and capable students, CORE VALUES
high expectations, inclusiveness,
collaboration, continuous improvement,
and systemic accountability.
OUR OUR
MISSION VISION
In partnership with HPS students will
our families and community, graduate ready to
inspire and prepare ALL transform our
students to meet success world.
in and beyond school.
THE ESSENCE
AND HEART
OF HARTFORD
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Whole Student
Every student is treated with dignity in a
physically, emotionally, and intellectually
healthy and safe environment.
Every student is supported by culturally
responsive teaching and learning, and
positive and supportive relationships.
Every student has a voice and agency, and
is prepared for college, career and civic life.
A MESSAGE FROM DR. LESLIE TORRES-RODRIGUEZ, SUPERINTENDENT, HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHY HPS?
‘‘ We believe in each one of our beautiful and capable
students. We are committed to ensuring an educational
community that fosters inspiration, high expectations,
curiosity, and provides opportunity for all our students.
As a former Hartford Public Schools student, I know
what the school district is capable of, and I know what
is at stake. That’s why, from neighborhood schools, to
magnet and open choice schools, we provide more
educational opportunities than any other district in the
region. We believe education involves more than a
one-size-fits-all approach.
I love Hartford Public Schools. My hopes and dreams are wrapped around the success of each one of our
students. Our priority as a school community is to provide quality instruction for development of the skills,
knowledge and voice that students need to graduate ready for college and life, ensuring that every child
has a safe, nurturing school environment. We value the whole student.
”Learn more about us by visiting our schools, attending an open house event, or viewing our website at
hartfordschools.org/enroll.
OUR PRIORITIES & Learning Quality Family & Commu
AND OBJECTIVES
Teaching instruction and nity Partnerships
support to ensure
students graduate Strengthen relationships
ready for college with families,
and life. Family & Community businesses,
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Culture & Climate Operational E ectiveness Maximize use
Maximize use of resources, iniotifarteivseosurces,
and operations and, minimizienitiatives and,
redundancies Operational E
Ensure ALL students operations, and
minimize
feel safe and valued & redundancies.
at HPSSc. hool Culture Climate
School Ensure ALL students feel safe and
valued at HPS.
ectiveness
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Hartford Public Schools has the largest menu of tuition-free, theme-based school options in the Greater
Hartford area. As part of an all-choice system of schools, families can select from a wide variety of school
options, models and themes that best fit the needs, interests and learning styles of their children.
DISTRICT SCHOOLS OPEN CHOICE
District Schools allow all Hartford Residents the Open Choice offers Hartford students the
option of sending their child to a school that is opportunity to attend public schools in suburban
closer to home with access to quality education, districts in the Greater Hartford area.
a rigorous curriculum, and vibrant arts and music
programs. Open Choice also offers suburban students the
opportunity to attend school in one of Hartford’s
Hartford has four school zones. If you are unsure themed non-magnet public schools. For a full
of which zone you live in, please access our listing, please visit choiceeducation.org.
transportation map at:
hartfordschools.org/transportation The application process for Open Choice is
administered by the Regional School Choice Office
Parents should note that choosing an out-of-zone (RSCO) in conjunction with the Capital Region
school may affect availability of school transportation. Education Council.
The Hartford District Choice placement process Eligible Applicants:
is administered by HPS Office of Enrollment and Hartford and Suburban Residents
School Choice.
Access Application:
Eligible Applicants: Online at choiceeducation.org
Hartford Residents
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Access Application:
Online at hpschoice.com Charter Schools allow families to choose from
independently designed and operated schools
MAGNET SCHOOLS that follow their own state-approved charter.
Magnet Schools have specialized themes and Hartford Public Schools has a strong partnership
approaches to courses, classwork and/or teaching, with Achievement First and administers the
such as STEM, Montessori, Performing Arts, Sports application process for admission to their charter
Medicine and Social Justice. schools in Hartford.
The application process for Magnet Schools is Hartford Residents interested in accessing
administered by the Regional School Choice Office Achievement First schools should apply online
(RSCO) in conjunction with Hartford Public Schools, via the District Choice application.
and is open to students from the Greater Hartford
region. Eligible Applicants:
Hartford Residents
Eligible Applicants:
Hartford and Suburban Residents Access Application:
Online at hpschoice.com
Access Application:
Online at choiceeducation.org
FAIRS & SCHOOL OPTIONS
EVENTS
2020-2021 RSCO Fall
Opening Day Fair
Saturday, November 2, 2019
10AM-1PM
A.I. Prince Technical High School
401 Flatbush Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Snow Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
10AM-1PM
Hartford Public Schools
7th Annual Education Expo
Saturday, December 7, 2019
10AM-1PM
Sport & Medical Sciences Academy
280 Huyshope Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Snow Date: Saturday, December 14, 2019
10AM-1PM
RSCO Winter Fair
Saturday, January 11, 2020
10AM-1PM
Conard High School
110 Beechwood Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
Snow Date: Saturday, January 18, 2020
10AM-1PM
Content is current as of the printing of this guide.
Please refer to hartfordschools.org/enroll
for the most up-to-date school information.
Elementary and Middle Schools Type Grades
Achievement First Hartford Elementary D/C K-4
305 Greenfield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-6560 D/C 5-8
Achievement First Hartford Summit Middle D PK4-8
305 Greenfield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-6760 M PK3-4
Bellizzi School M 5-8
215 South Street, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-2400 M PK3-5
Betances Learning Lab M PK3-8
42 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-2840 D PK4-5
Betances STEM Magnet School D 6-8
400 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-2970 M PK4-8
Breakthrough Magnet School North D/O PK4-5
25 Ridgefield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-6380 D/O K-8
Breakthrough Magnet School South M PK3 & PK4
290 Brookfield Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-5700 D PK4-8
M PK4-8
Burns Latino Studies Academy D 6-8
D 6-8
195 Putnam Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-2980 D PK4-5
D 6-8
Burr Middle School M PK3-8
M PK3-6
400 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-3080 D PK4-5
M PK3-8
Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker
440 Broadview Terrace, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-3760
Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School
101 Catherine Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-4500
Global Communications Academy
85 Edwards Street, Hartford, CT 06120 • (860) 695-6020
Hartford Pre-Kindergarten Magnet School
85 Edwards Street, Hartford, CT 06120 • (860) 695-5820
195 Putnam Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-5820
Kennelly School
180 White Street, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-3860
Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts
65 Van Block Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-4140
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
25 Ridgefield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-3980
McDonough Middle School
111 Hillside Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-4260
MD Fox School
470 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-7724
Milner Middle School
150 Tower Avenue, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-4380
Montessori Magnet School at Annie Fisher
280 Plainfield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-3560
Montessori Magnet School at Batchelder
757 New Britain Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-2600
Naylor School
639 Franklin Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-4620
Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School
5 Cone Street, Hartford, CT 06105 • (860) 695-5380
Elementary and Middle Schools Type Grades SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Parkville Community School D PK4-5
47 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-4720 D PK4-5
Rawson School D/O 4-8
260 Holcomb Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-4840 D PK4-5
Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy* D PK4-5
110 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-2140 M K-8
Sanchez Elementary School D PK4-5
176 Babcock Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-4940 D PK4-5
S.A.N.D. School
1750 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120 • (860) 695-5040
STEM Magnet School at Annie Fisher
280 Plainfield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-3500
West Middle School
44 Niles Street, Hartford, CT 06105 • (860) 695-5480
Wish Museum School
350 Barbour Street, Hartford, CT 06120 • (860) 695-5600
Secondary Schools Type Grades
Achievement First Hartford High* D/C 9-12
305 Greenfield Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-6685 D 9-12
Bulkeley High School M PK3-12
300 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114 • (860) 695-1000 M 6-12
Capital Preparatory Magnet School M 9-12
1304 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103 • (860) 695-9800 M 6-12
Classical Magnet School D/O 9-12
85 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105 • (860) 695-9100 M 9-12
Great Path Academy at MCC M 9-12
60 Bidwell Street, MS #20, Manchester, CT 06045 • (860) 512-3700 M 6-12
Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy M 9-12
53 Vernon Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-7201 D 9-12
Hartford Public High School
55 Forest Street, Hartford, CT 06105 • (860) 695-1300
Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts
415 Granby Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-2040
Pathways Academy of Technology and Design
2 Pent Road, East Hartford, CT 06118 • (860) 695-9450
Sport and Medical Sciences Academy
280 Huyshope Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-6900
University High School of Science and Engineering
351 Mark Twain Drive, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-9020
Weaver High School
415 Granby Street, Hartford, CT 06112 • (860) 695-1640
Other Options & Opportunities* Type Grades
Adult Education* D Adults 18+
110 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 • (860) 695-5840
M = Magnet D = District D/O = District/Open Choice D/C = District/Charter
* These schools do not participate in the Hartford District placement process. Please contact the schools directly.
Content is current as of the printing of this guide. Please refer to hartfordschools.org/enroll for the most up-to-date school information.
WHO CAN APPLY
All parents or legal guardians of a student can apply. All children living in the United States have a right to a free
K-12 public education regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Hartford Residents:
Families can complete both the Hartford District Choice application and the Regional School Choice (RSCO) application.
Hartford residents who fall into the categories below MUST apply to the Hartford District Choice Lottery:
• New Kindergarten Students: Kindergarten age-eligible children (turning five on or before January 1, 2021)
must register for school. PreK4 students currently enrolled in a HPS school readiness program within zone or
magnet school do not need to apply for kindergarten, as they will continue in their current school.
• Students Interested in Transferring Schools: Any students interested in changing from their current HPS
neighborhood or magnet school can only do so by applying during the application period for the following
school year.
• All Students: Any Hartford resident student may submit a Hartford District Choice application.
Suburban Residents:
Families who wish to access Hartford Public School Magnet
and Open Choice options apply only through the RSCO application.
WHERE TO APPLY
There are two separate applications for families
applying to Hartford District Schools and RSCO
Magnet/Open Choice schools:
DISTRICT SCHOOLS
Applications to our District (non-magnet) schools are open
to Hartford residents only. Hartford residents should complete
both the online Hartford District Choice application and the
Regional School Choice application (choiceeducation.org)
to maximize their options.
To apply, please visit: hpschoice.com.
MAGNET AND OPEN CHOICE SCHOOLS
Applications to Magnet and Open Choice schools are open
to Hartford and Suburban residents using the Regional School
Choice Office (RSCO) application.
To apply, please visit: choiceeducation.org.
WHEN TO APPLY SCHOOL CHOICE PLACEMENT PROCESS
PLACEMENT PROCESS
The application periods for the Hartford
District Choice Application and the Regional Overview: Placement Process
School Choice Application are as follows:
The School Choice placement process
Hartford District Choice Application relies on a computer-based program
OPENS: November 1, 2019 to assign students to schools, since the
CLOSES: February 28, 2020 number of applicants is greater than
the number of available seats in most
Regional School Choice Application schools. The process is based on
OPENS: November 1, 2019 placement procedures ordered by
CLOSES: January 31, 2020 preferences/priorities, which may be
used in determining placement offers
HPS District Choice Application: and waitlist status.
hpschoice.com
RSCO Magnet and Open Choice Application:
choiceeducation.org
WHAT’S NEXT?
What families need to know after
the placement process occurs.
Acceptance & Registration:
• Respond to your placement once your family receives
notification.
• If placement is not accepted or declined within the time
frame noted, the placement may be declined and the seat will
be offered to another student. Families can accept electronically
online or by returning the signed placement forms.
• To register your child, bring the required documents below
to the Office of Enrollment and School Choice to finalize
registration. If your child is attending a magnet school, please
bring the registration documents to the school.
• Required Documents for Registration:
Proof of Guardianship
Proof of Child’s Age
Proof of Residency
FREQUENTLY Q : WHAT ARE THE AGE RANGES WHEN APPLYING
ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PreK AND KINDERGARTEN?
Q: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF HARTFORD PUBLIC HPS Office of Enrollment and School Choice:
A :
SCHOOLS (HPS) OFFICE OF ENROLLMENT PreK – Hartford District schools begin with PreK4.
AND SCHOOL CHOICE? To be eligible for PreK4 through the Hartford District
placement process, the student will need to be four
A: • Ensures families are well-informed of all school years of age by December 31, 2020.
options and how best to navigate the School Choice Kindergarten – To be eligible for Kindergarten, the
student will need to be five years of age on or before
Placement Process. January 1, 2021. This is a transitional grade; all
families should apply online. Families who already
• Provides enrollment services. have their child within zone at a Hartford District
PreK4 program need not apply, as their child will roll
• Manages the outreach efforts to families, schools up into that school’s kindergarten class.
and the community at large. Conducts the HPS
RSCO (Regional School Choice Office):
School Choice Placement Process, which assigns
PreK – Magnet schools available through the RSCO
students to HPS District schools. application process begin with PreK3 and PreK4.
Families interested in PreK should consult the RSCO
Q: catalog or choiceeducation.org, and apply via the
RSCO school choice application.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CONNECTICUT STATE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGIONAL Kindergarten – To be eligible for Kindergarten, the
SCHOOL CHOICE OFFICE (RSCO)? student will need to be five years of age on or before
January 1, 2021.
A: • Works in partnership with HPS Office of Enrollment
Q: IF I MISS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE AND
and School Choice to ensure that both Hartford
SCHOOL PLACEMENT PROCESS FOR THE
and Suburban families have access to quality, 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
integrated educational opportunities offered A: HPS Office of Enrollment and School Choice:
through the RSCO school choice application. • Families who enroll in the district after the
application period closes will be placed in schools
• Conducts the Regional School Choice Office where seats are available.
Placement Process, which assigns students to
Choice Schools Programs in the Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office (RSCO)
Region. Options include Magnet, Open Choice Magnet Lottery:
and CT Technical Schools.
• For the late application period, please consult
Families interested in Magnet and Open Choice choiceeducation.org. Applications will only be
schools should consult the RSCO Catalog at accepted online at the above-mentioned site.
choiceeducation.org.
• No Magnet or Open Choice school placements
Q: IS MY CHILD GUARANTEED A SEAT? are made beyond October 1.
A: HPS Office of Enrollment and School Choice: Q: ARE STUDENTS WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL
HPS District Choice guarantee ensures that a EDUCATION, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING,
student in a transitional grade will be placed in OR OTHER RELATED SERVICES ELIGIBLE
ONE of the FOUR school options selected on their TO APPLY?
on-time application.
A: Yes. All students will enter the process with the same
RSCO (Regional School Choice Office):
access to potential seats in all schools.
The RSCO school choice application process does
not guarantee a seat at a Magnet school for any
family or student.
RESOURCES STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FAQs & RESOURCES
FOR FAMILIES
Hartford Public Schools supports the full potential of
THE WELCOME CENTER each and every student. The goal of Student Support
Services is to ensure that all students with disabilities
The Welcome Center is a one-stop shop for families have access to and benefit from the general education
that links students, parents, principals, teachers, curriculum.
employees and the community to available resources,
and ensures accurate information and quality assistance For more information about HPS Student Support
for all. We provide all the information you need – pointing Services, please contact 860-695-8450.
you in the right direction for everything from your child’s
transportation, to early childhood education, health HEALTH SERVICES
services, uniforms, and even your own education.
Let us help you be a strong and full partner in your Health Services operates seven school-based health
child’s education. clinics and 17 dental clinics throughout the district, with
school nurses in every building. Our primary aim is to
To contact the Welcome Center, collaborate with other health care providers, support staff,
please call 860-695-8400. teachers, and parents to promote a healthy environment
for students to learn at their optimal potential.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
For more information about our services,
Our primary goal is to provide safe and efficient please visit Hartfordschools.org/health-services
transportation for Hartford Public School students or contact 860-695-8760.
and families.
Student eligibility for transportation is determined FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES
by the walking distance from home to school. Note
that eligibility changes as students progress in grades. Providing nutritious food to students during the school
See general guidelines below: day is part of our commitment to each and every student.
We support:
TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES: • Meal services at all our schools
• Coordination with school staff, students and families
GRADES K-1: to accommodate special nutritional or medical
Student lives 0.5 miles or more from enrolled school dietary needs
• Nutrition promotion
GRADES 2-5:
Student lives 1.0 miles or more from enrolled school For more information about Food and Nutrition Services,
please contact 860-695-8490.
GRADES 6-8:
Student lives 1.5 miles or more from enrolled school
GRADES 9-12:
Student lives 2.0 miles or more from enrolled school
Hartford Public Schools Transportation
(Hartford resident students)
Services Hotline 860-695-8547
RSCO Transportation
(Suburban resident students)
Hotline 860-524-4077
CONNECT WITH US
For application information, please contact:
Hartford Public Schools
Office of Enrollment and School Choice
960 Main Street, 9th Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
860-695-8876
hartfordschools.org/enroll
Regional School Choice Office (RSCO)
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite P28
Hartford, CT 06103
860-713-6990
choiceeducation.org
Content is current as of the printing of this guide.
Please refer to hartfordschools.org/enroll
for the most up-to-date school information.
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