Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I get an application?
2. Can I choose any choice school?
3. What services are available to my child at the Choice Schools?
   
4. Does each school have full day Kindergarten?
   
5. Is my child guaranteed transportation to the Choice school?
   
6. What if I move while my child is attending a Choice school? 
7. My child is in Kindergarten. If s/he transfers through School Choice, can I get transportation for him/her?
8. Will my child’s bus stop be at my house?
9. When will I know if my application has been approved?
10. What middle school will my child go to?
11. How many choices should I list on my application?
12. I have more than one child. Do you keep siblings together when they transfer?
13. What should I do while I wait for the application to be released?
14. Where do I return my application?
15. When is this application due?
16. Are applications reviewed first come first served?
    
17. My child has been accepted for School Choice, and I want my child to transfer to the school he or she has been assigned to.  What must I do?
18. When will I know my child’s bus assignment?
19. When will my child be able to start at the new school?
20. Who do I contact for more questions?

1. How can I get an application?
   Applications are available each year in Late May or June. They will be sent home to the parents/guardians of every student registered for the upcoming school year at an eligible school. They are also available on this website.
    
2. Can I choose any choice school?
   Yes! If it is listed as a choice school, you may indicate this as a school you wish to transfer your child to, but note that you may not always be offered your 1st choice. Schools that are eligible to participate in the School Choice program are NOT eligible to be transferred into. Please refer to the above list. Applications listing schools that are not eligible to transfer to will not be accepted.
    
3. What services are available to my child at the Choice Schools?
   Choice schools, like all Manchester Schools, have free and reduced lunch programs, services for students with educational disabilities and English Language Learners.
    
4. Does each school have full day Kindergarten?
   No. If your child is assigned to a school with half day kindergarten, the school will assign your child to either an AM or PM class. The school will notify you which your child has been assigned.
    
5. Is my child guaranteed transportation to the Choice school?
   Yes. As long as your child’s original neighborhood school is still classified as a Title 1 School In Need of Improvement. Other restrictions apply if you move, please see below.
    
6. What if I move while my child is attending a Choice school?
   Your child can stay at the Choice school until he or she graduates. Your child MAY lose transportation. Please call the District coordinator for more information.
    
7. My child is in Kindergarten. If s/he transfers through School Choice, can I get transportation for him/her?
   Yes! The School Choice program does provide transportation for Kindergarten students.
    
8. Will my child’s bus stop be at my house?
   Not necessarily. In most cases, bus stops are not at the child’s home.
    
9. What middle school will my child go to?
   Your child will attend the middle school associated with your address, NOT with the school your child attends.
    
10. When will I know if my application has been approved?
    The District makes every effort to notify parents before the start of school. Some circumstances may require notifications about school choice to be sent after the start of school. Your child should attend his or her neighborhood school until the choice application has been approved.  This website will be updated when the applications have been sent.
     
11. How many choices should I list on my application?
    Please rate all 6 recieving schools in order of your preference. Though the district will offer you a transfer it may not be to your 1st choice school.
     
12. I have more than one child. Do you keep siblings together when they transfer?
    Yes. The District’s procedure is to keep students at the same school.
     
13. What should I do while I wait for the application to be released?
    Register your child at your neighborhood school. This will ensure that you receive the letter to your home AND will make the registration and transfer process easier.
    
    
14. Where do I return my application?
    To your child's classroom teacher OR the Manchester School District main office at
    195 McGregor St, Suite 201
    Manchester, NH 03102
    ATTN: School Choice
     
15. When is this application due?
    All applications must be RECEIVED at the District office by 3pm on June 21, 2010.
     
16. Are applications reviewed first come first served?
    No. All applications are reviewed together after the deadline.
     
17. My child has been accepted for School Choice, and I want my child to transfer to the school he or she has been assigned.  What must I do?
    Complete one copy of the enclosed School Choice "Rights and Responsibilities" and return it to the Manchester School District office:
    Manchester School District
    195 Mcgregor St, Suite 201
    Manchester, NH 03102
    ATTN: School Choice
     
18. When will I know my child’s bus assignment?
    You will receive a phone call from the District coordinator for School Choice or School Secretary indicating your child’s bus assignment. You must have signed the paperwork included with your child’s choice acceptance letter in order to have busing processed. Busing may take at least three (3) business days to arrange once your signed paperwork has been received. 
     
19. When will my child be able to start at the new school?
    When a District Staff member calls you to notify you that your child's signed acceptance of School Choice has been received, this staff member will let you know which day your child may start at the new school.  For 2010-2011, most students will be able to start school the first day at their new choice school.  However, bussing may not be available depending on when your form is returned.
     
20. Who do I contact for more questions?
    SES & School Choice Facilitator
    603-624-6300 ext 204 OR Federal Projects Office 603-624-6426