Pinellas Choice Application Dates Set for 2007-08

School choice application dates for the 2007-08 school year have been announced by Pinellas County Schools. Parents interested in countywide magnet, fundamental and career academy programs for their children must apply Jan. 15-Feb. 3, 2007 (call each individual school for necessary paperwork to be handed in when applying).   Those applying for choice attendance area schools must do so March 5-24, 2007. 

Parents need to apply for schools in their choice attendance area if they have a child:

• Entering a public school for the first time in August 2007 (including all children entering kindergarten, students new to the district or those re-entering Pinellas County Schools).
• Entering grade six or nine and not eligible for or does not want to use extended grandfathering.
• Applying to a different school in the attendance area.

Parents who apply to a magnet, fundamental or career academy program during the Jan. 15-Feb. 3 application period will know the results of the computer selection for those programs prior to the start of the choice application period. Parents will use the automated phone system to apply and call into the system again to accept a program invitation during the Feb. 22-28 "acceptance period."

What should parents do now to prepare for the application periods?

·        Parents of incoming kindergarten students or other children who will be new to Pinellas County Schools in August 2007 need to register their children at a Family Education and Information Center (FEIC) to receive a student identification number. Parents may begin this process Dec. 1, 2006. Only registered students may apply during the application period.

·        Research schools  Prior to the applying, parents will have the opportunity to visit school campuses for Discovery Nights and school tours. School websites, virtual tours, school brochures and other important data about schools can be found by visiting www.pinellaschoice.org.

·        Parents should be sure the correct address, phone and other contact information are on file at their child's school. If they move, this information should be updated. The district will use this information to communicate with parents of 5^th- and 8^th-grade students about the application process.

Parents may contact an FEIC 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday if they have questions or need more information:

Family Education and Information Centers:

·        1101 Marshall St., Clearwater, (727) 298-2858.

·        3420 Eighth Ave. S, St. Petersburg, (727) 552-1595.

Dates to remember: