Controlled Open Enrollment
Ready, Set, and Go for Launch!
Do you have a Focus Parent Portal Account?
Click here to create a Parent Portal Account -->Parent Portal Registration
Parents who do not have a Parent Portal account and wish to submit a School Choice Application must first register for one.
Are the students BRAND NEW to the district (FIRST TIME)? If so, then complete the ONLINE ENROLLMENT with their FULL LEGAL NAME and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS - Submit and FINISH to complete the application before you can complete the school choice application.
If you already have a parent portal account
Click here to log into your Parent Portal Account -->Parent Portal
Do you see your children? If so, follow the directions to complete the Open Enrollment application.
If your children are NOT showing in YOUR portal: Are your children currently enrolled in LCS or WERE previously enrolled in LCS (including charter, home school, private testing, PK screening, or received state scholarship funding)? If so, make sure that you have linked your children to your Focus portal account first. DO NOT create an online application to enroll them as a new student. Contact your school or focushelp@leonschools.net for assistance in adding your child to YOUR portal.
You are now School Choice Open Enrollment Ready and are all set and ready to apply!
Log in to your Focus Parent Portal account and complete the steps below.
Click on the child’s name, then click on “School Choice Application”.- The child’s basic information will appear at the top of the Application.
- When submitting for multiple children, complete the form for each child by clicking “Save” and then selecting the next child, etc.
- Parents applying for Sibling Support must enter the student's name in the sibling list at the bottom of the application to be considered for Sibling Support. Click Save beside the student's name.
- Parents make the appropriate selections for various statuses such as Active Military, Special Circumstances, etc. Please note the description for each and include all supporting documentation, program using the file upload at the bottom of the screen.
- Parents may select up to 3 Program choices.
- You may select up to 3 school/program choices, with (1) being the most desired. Once parents have selected their choice(s), make sure to click Save at the bottom of the screen.
- Make sure to review the program notes listed for each program; some magnet programs require additional steps.
- If you wish to make changes to your application, you can go back into your portal to make changes, then save and submit. You have until March 1st to make any changes.
- Click “Save” or “Save & Print” to apply. A pop-up window at the top of the page will state that your application has been submitted.
-
Do you have a Focus Parent Portal Account?
Click here to create a Parent Portal Account -->Parent Portal Registration
Parents who do not have a Parent Portal account and wish to submit a School Choice Application must first register for one.
Are the students BRAND NEW to the district (FIRST TIME)? If so, then complete the ONLINE ENROLLMENT with their FULL LEGAL NAME and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS - Submit and FINISH to complete the application before you can complete the school choice application.
-
If you already have a parent portal account
Click here to log into your Parent Portal Account -->Parent Portal
Do you see your children? If so, follow the directions to complete the Open Enrollment application.
If your children are NOT showing in YOUR portal: Are your children currently enrolled in LCS or WERE previously enrolled in LCS (including charter, home school, private testing, PK screening, or received state scholarship funding)? If so, make sure that you have linked your children to your Focus portal account first. DO NOT create an online application to enroll them as a new student. Contact your school or focushelp@leonschools.net for assistance in adding your child to YOUR portal.
-
You are now School Choice Open Enrollment Ready and are all set and ready to apply!
Log in to your Focus Parent Portal account and complete the steps below.
- Click on the child’s name, then click on “School Choice Application”.
- The child’s basic information will appear at the top of the Application.
- When submitting for multiple children, complete the form for each child by clicking “Save” and then selecting the next child, etc.
- Parents applying for Sibling Support must enter the student's name in the sibling list at the bottom of the application to be considered for Sibling Support. Click Save beside the student's name.
- Parents make the appropriate selections for various statuses such as Active Military, Special Circumstances, etc. Please note the description for each and include all supporting documentation, program using the file upload at the bottom of the screen.
- Parents may select up to 3 Program choices.
- You may select up to 3 school/program choices, with (1) being the most desired. Once parents have selected their choice(s), make sure to click Save at the bottom of the screen.
- Make sure to review the program notes listed for each program; some magnet programs require additional steps.
- If you wish to make changes to your application, you can go back into your portal to make changes, then save and submit. You have until March 1st to make any changes.
- Click “Save” or “Save & Print” to apply. A pop-up window at the top of the page will state that your application has been submitted.
Educational Options Available in Leon County
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The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a highly respected national curriculum consisting of more than 30 rigorous high school courses and standardized exams that allow students an opportunity to earn college credit. AP subjects range from art to statistics. Students who earn a qualifying score of 3 or above on an AP exam can earn college credit, depending on the college or university. Students in Florida’s public secondary schools enrolled in AP courses do not have to pay to take the AP exams.
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Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for specific careers through practical, hands-on learning. These programs often offer a blend of academic and vocational training, equipping students with skills relevant to various industries.
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Career Dual Enrollment opportunities are open to all Leon County full-time high school students, age 16 years or older and have earned at least 11 credits. Transportation will be your responsibility from your home high school to Lively Technical College. Prospective students should see their home high school guidance counselor to discuss Career Dual Enrollment options.
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One of our Choice programs, located at Rickards High School, the International Baccalaureate is an internationally recognized education program emphasizing a holistic approach. It promotes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and personal development, preparing students for global citizenship.
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Magnet Program schools are specialized institutions focusing on specific themes, such as the arts or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). They attract students with a passion for these subjects, fostering a more immersive and focused learning environment.
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Controlled open enrollment focuses on families having the option to choose among our other existing public schools. Instead of being assigned to a public school by the school district strictly based on your attendance zones, parents may choose other available schools in the district that have available seating. These options are outlined in the district’s controlled open enrollment plan and is based on availability, and a lottery-based system.
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Parents and legal guardians may choose from a list of schools with space available during Controlled Open Enrollment application windows. Transportation is not provided. Please see important dates for application windows.
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There are three VPK program options. The school year program provides 540 hours of instruction with class sizes of no more than 20 children. A summer program includes 300 instructional hours and class sizes no larger than 12 students. Parents who have 4-year-old children with special needs may choose the VPK Specialized Instructional Services educational program, in which certified or licensed professionals provide instruction in individual or small group settings. This option requires the child to have a current individual educational plan (IEP) from a local school district.
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Partnership schools are schools that have developed an innovative partnership between the public and private sectors.
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Dual enrollment allows eligible high school students, whether they are enrolled in public, private, or home education, to enroll in postsecondary courses. Students can simultaneously earn credit toward high school graduation and a college degree or technical certificate. All 28 institutions in the Florida College System and some state universities in Florida participate in dual enrollment. Students are permitted to take dual enrollment courses on a part-time basis during school hours, after school, or during the summer term. Dual enrollment students do not have to pay registration, matriculation, or laboratory fees.
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Choice Hardship allows parents and legal guardians, with a documented hardship, an opportunity to submit a request for a school that is capped for School Choice. Note: Requests are not automatic. Choice Hardship is limited and is only available after the standard Open Enrollment period has expired, and is only available under extreme (documented) hardships. Transportation to the school is not provided.
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Families also have the option to participate in the following choices that fall outside of the Leon County School District:
- Public Charter Schools*
- For Charter School information, you must contact the charter school directly, as LCS does not run them.
- Private Schools*
- For Private School information, you must contact the private school directly, as LCS does not run them.
*Please be aware that when choosing an educational option outside LCS, that both public charters and private schools are not legally required to provide your child with a certified or highly qualified classroom teacher, provide federally mandated protections or ESE services, or participate in any form of progress monitoring or accountability measures to ensure your child is not falling behind or meet any state standards as a non-public education provider, they are exempt from meeting these requirements under Florida law.
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- Family Empowerment Scholarship
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (Private School)
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (ESE)
- Hope Scholarship
- Opportunity Scholarship (There are currently no Leon County Schools eligible for an Opportunity Scholarship)
- Family Empowerment Scholarship
Choosing a Leon County School or Program for Your Child
If you would like your child to attend their zoned school, no application is necessary—register directly with that school. Discover your Neighborhood School >> Your Neighborhood School is assigned based on your home address and school boundaries.
To apply for School Choice, Magnet, Career and Technical Education (CTE), or Choice Hardship schools, apply during the designated open periods. All School Choice and CTE applications are entered into a computerized lottery, except the IB High School programme, where acceptance is based on student academic performance.
Disclaimer: All school attendance boundaries are subject to change by School Board action. Maps and descriptions are provided for convenience only.
Open Enrollment is open January 7th through March 1st
FYI…Students currently on school choice do not need to reapply unless they want to change schools or are moving to middle or high school.
Need Technical Assistance?
The Office of School Choice empowers parents and guardians to select an educational setting that best aligns with their child's needs, interests, and aspirations. By offering access to diverse programs such as magnet schools, innovative courses, and specialized academies, the program supports the District's mission to educate all students to reach their highest potential. This initiative embodies the vision of preparing today's students to succeed in tomorrow's world by fostering personalized and forward-thinking educational experiences.
School Choice (LCS School Board Policy 6400) provides parents/guardians the option to request a different school other than the assigned school based on the child's home address.
Don't know your assigned school?
Find your assigned school before applying.
Additional Resources
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International FamiliesThe purpose of the International Student Exchange Program is to provide international students with the opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States. International Exchange Students arrange their own housing with host families and can only be enrolled into Leon County Schools under the sponsorship of federally approved agencies.
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Transcript & Diploma RequestsTranscripts may be obtained from the student's folder at the school for up to 3 fiscal years after graduation. After this time period, transcripts may be obtained through the Student Records Center (SRC). Pleas visit the Student Records Department
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Virtual AcademyLeon County students enrolled in the Leon County Virtual School receive individualized instruction utilizing the Internet, email, telephone, instant messaging, online collaboration tools and face-to-face teacher forums. The virtual format allows flexibility of time and location, while promoting skills and self-discipline for success in the 21st Century. Students may register for any course offered through Leon County Virtual School (contingent upon parent and guidance counselor approval).
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Home SchoolingHome Education is 100% parent-driven, and by enrolling in home education, the parent assumes all educational responsibilities regardless of the mechanism used to educate their child. This includes all corresponding curricula, books, and/or online resources and materials. There is no diploma issued by the public school system in Florida for the completion of a home education program.