School Choice

Choice Information Night

In Delaware, the school choice program gives families the flexibility to choose the public school that best meets their child’s needs, providing space exists. Delaware residents with school-age children can apply to go to any public school in the state regardless of the Delaware district in which they reside.  If the school has space, then the student will be accepted to attend. Only Delaware residents may apply for this program.

Open Enrollment for the Choice Program is offered from the first Monday in November to the second Wednesday January of each school year.  

Transportation:  Transportation to and from a Choice School is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Bus transportation will be provided from an already existing Brandywine School District bus stop only if there is space on the bus. The parent/guardian is responsible for getting the student to the most convenient bus stop with space available. Parents may submit requests by contacting (302) 762-7181.

Special Programs:  The International Baccalaureate Program (Grades 6-10) and Dual Language Immersion Programs (Grades K-1) require students to choice to the schools that house those programs.  Students interested in these programs must apply for choice during the Open Enrollment period.  Please indicate on your choice application that you are applying to one of these programs. 

Please be aware that the majority of the communication related to your Brandywine School District application will be communicated via email. Therefore, it is important you provide a valid email address when creating your account in the SchoolChoiceDE.org system.

Important Reminders

• If your student is currently in 5th/8th grade and you are interested in a middle school/high school that is NOT your feeder school, you MUST submit an open enrollment choice application before it closes. This applies whether your student is currently choiced or not. Please note that an approved Choice Application is only valid for the specific school at which you have been accepted. 

• The 2025-2026 Choice open enrollment closes on January 8, 2025 for Grades 1-12.

• Choice application determinations will be sent via email by February 28, 2025.

• Any questions regarding school choice can be sent to choice@bsd.k12.de.us, or you can call the choice office at 302-793-5014. We appreciate your patience and understanding during periods of increased phone calls and emails.

2025-2026 School Choice Open Enrollment:

If you are not currently registered in any Delaware public school district, charter school, or vocational/technical school, you must first register at your child's feeder school before applying for school choice. If you need to register, you can do so here.

• A change in a child's residence due to a change in family residence.
• A change in the state in which the family residence is located.
• A change in the marital status of the child's parents.
• A change caused by a guardianship proceeding.
• Placement of a child in foster care.
• Adoption.
• Participation by a child in a foreign exchange program.
• Participation by a child in a substance abuse or mental health treatment program.
• Or a set of circumstances consistent with this definition of "good cause".
• Click here to apply for 2024-2025 Good Cause "Choice"

Questions About Choice?

We also have quick tips available here.