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School choice application opens Dec. 18

By Mr. Robert Timmons (IMCOM)November 21, 2017

Pierce
Family members smile during a recent luncheon at Pierce Terrace Elementary School on post. Under the Richland School District 2 policy parents can apply to have their children attend schools outside of those they are zoned to attend. The application ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Registration for school choice in Richland Country begins Dec. 18, Fort Jackson school liaisons said recently.

"On Dec. 18 choice program application starts and goes into late January. All the information is on a school's website so (parents) can find out more there," said Dr. Keisha McCoy-Wilson, Fort Jackson school liaison officer.

If a child has the desire to go to another school with the Magnet program, or expanded course program, their parents would need to apply to whatever program they choose.

According to Richland School District Two, the choice program offers parents and students residing in Richland District Two the opportunity to apply to attend a school other than the school for which they are zoned. Richland Two's Magnet program offers various learning opportunities with different themes that may interest students.

"Check out the school first before you rent or purchase your home, because once you rent or purchase a home you just decided where your child will go to school," McCoy-Wilson said. "It's very important parents find the school first and then find their home."

Students living on post will go to either Richland Northeast, Dent Middle School, or one of the on-post elementary schools.

Parents of sixth-grade students can apply for expanded choice schools, or the Magnet program, but they will have to provide their own transportation to school, she said.

Ann Gordon, Fort Jackson school liaison, added Families living in permanent housing have to be active-duty military or full-time federal employee to attend DODEA schools on the installation.

McCoy-Wilson recommended parents check out the schools before they apply.

"Go out to the schools, check it out, talk to administrators and see if it is the best fit for their children," she added. "They then go online and apply and wait for a decision." The decisions usually are made in March.

Families moving into the area can apply for school choice, but they will need a permanent address when the school requests it.

"It is on a case-by-case basis," McCoy-Wilson said.

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