As School Selection begins for the 2019-2020 School Year, students and families can explore various educational options

PHILADELPHIA — School District of Philadelphia officials announced to families, students and community members that the K-12 School Selection Process for the 2019-2020 school year starts on Friday, September 21, and runs through 5 p.m. Friday, November 2. This is an important opportunity for all students in any grade looking to change schools for the upcoming academic year, including 8th graders looking to choose their high school for next fall.

The School District has over 100 exciting programs and school options across the city, available to all students in all grades. This process is a great opportunity for students to apply to up to five schools, and seek out schools that have programs and curricula that are ideal for their own personal interests, career goals and academic pursuits. The high school selection process allows students and families to take a “Find Your Fit” approach to choosing a school that’s right for them, which is sometimes not their neighborhood school.

“We want our students and families to know about the breadth of choices open to them, at any grade, including high school,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia. “Here in Philadelphia, we have a variety of unique academic programming — including everything from health and sciences, social justice and international affairs, and the arts — and we are excited to be able to provide these opportunities for students.”

To help spread the word about school selection, the District will once again be participating in the annual Philly High School Fair, held next Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 12th and Arch streets. District principals, teachers and high school students will be on hand to talk about their respective schools so that families can make an informed choice during school selection.

“Here at the District, we believe the quality of education a student receives should never depend on their zip code,” Dr. Hite added. “So, this year in particular, we are renewing our focus around the school selection process so that students from all corners of the city know about their options, and are able to apply to the schools of their choice.”

The District accepts applications for students entering grades K-12 online through one of two portals, depending on whether a student is already a District student, or coming to our District schools from another system, including charter, private and Catholic schools. Students can seek assistance from their school counselor or teachers to complete the online application. There is a fully revamped section of the District’s website to help inform and guide students and their families, complete with videos in both English and Spanish. Students and parents will be informed of the results of their applications in early 2019.