The School Choice Process

New Haven Schools of Choice provide quality education and innovative programs to both New Haven students and students throughout the state of Connecticut. The Program is open to students in all grades (PreK through 12th grade). 

School Choice is a proven strategy used to raise academic achievement and foster culturally diverse school communities. New Haven Public Schools is committed to ensuring all students are engaged in their learning. Our School Choice Program supports students’ educational success by offering a diverse set of schools with unique themes and programming designed to engage students’ interests. 

New Haven Public Schools’ options include Neighborhood Schools, Magnet Schools, Interdistrict Magnet Schools and Charter Schools each with its own unique sets of themes and programming. 

There is an application process and lottery system for placement in these schools known as the School Choice Placement Process. 

All students applying to a Magnet, Charter or Kindergarten at a Neighborhood School must submit an application by Friday, March 7, 2025 to enter the lottery. Do not submit your application to the school or school personnel. If any information on the application is not the same information on file in the Office, the application will be returned to you.