Get School Choice Ready

What is School Choice?

School Choice provides families interested in new
educational experiences the opportunity to apply
to schools other than their home boundary assigned
school. Applicants may apply for a general
reassignment, a magnet program, or a Nova school
— or any combination of the three.

What is School Choice Ready?

To ensure you are ready to apply when the School
Choice Open Enrollment window opens, follow the steps below to create your Focus Parent Portal Account and link your student(s):
Note: Awards are not “first-come, first-served.” When there are more applicants than choice seats available, a computerized, random
selection will be held. To view the School Choice Ready flyer, select your language: English | Spanish | Haitian Creole | Portuguese

Steps to get SCHOOL CHOICE READY?

STEP 1: Create a Focus Parent Portal Account

STEP 2: Locate Your Child's BCPS Student ID Number

STEP 3: Using Your Child's BCPS Student ID Number, Link Each Child to Your Focus Parent Portal Account.

STEP 4: You are now School Choice Ready and can apply during the School Choice Window

School Choice Application: Quick Guides

Parents of currently enrolled students must first create a Focus Parent Portal Account and link their child to their account to access the BCPS Magnet Program Application, BCPS Student Reassignment Application and BCPS Nova Schools Application. Select the option that best describes you and your child. Then pick your language to see the Quick Guide instructions.

My Child is a Current BCPS Student

My Child is NOT a Current BCPS Student, but has a BCPS Student ID

My Child is NEW to BCPS and does not have a BCPS student ID

Need Technical Assistance?

District support teams will be providing in-person assistance for families unable to access the School Choice application on their Focus Parent Portal.

View Hot Lab Support Schedule