Important update! Statewide School Choice Program Transportation Stipends Discontinued by Legislative Action

Delaware Law requires that the statewide School Choice Application be submitted a year in advance.  Parents submitted choice applications during the 2007-08 school year for the 2008-09 school year. The applications submitted indicated that parents or guardians meeting certain criteria would be eligible for a transportation stipend.

Because of the state budget constraints, the transportation stipends were discontinued by legislative action in the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Bill (Section 404 of Senate Bill No. 300).

Because of this legislative action the statewide School Choice program transportation stipends will not be paid for the 2008-09 school year or in future years unless further legislative action is taken.

About the Choice Program

The Delaware School Choice Program began in the 1996-1997 School Year. The law addressing School Choice is found in 14 Del. C Chapter 4 (See Delaware Code online at www.delcode.state.de.us/title14/c004). There are no statewide regulations addressing the School Choice Program.

Each local school district is to adopt and make available, upon request, a policy establishing criteria for acceptance or rejection of applications and to set priorities for acceptance (Title 14 § 405). Local school districts may also establish (each year, through policy) which schools are open for "Choice" and which schools are not open for "Choice." Other policies can be adopted by the districts as long as they do not violate the state law.

Choice applications, for students in grades 1-12, are due to the "District of Choice" on or before the second Wednesday in January for the school year beginning in September. Choice applications for enrollment in a Kindergarten Program are due to the "District of Choice" on or before the first day of school. Check with the school district(s) to which you are applying to determine other kindergarten information. School Choice Application Forms are available from either the "District of Residence" or the "District of Choice." It is extremely important that choice applicants talk to the contact person in the "District of Choice." The "District of Choice" contact person will provide the applicant with information on the District's policies on Choice including which schools are open for choice and any other information that is relevant to the application process.