An important deadline is approaching for Connecticut families with children in Hartford area schools.
The state Department of Education’s Regional School Choice Office is accepting applications for dozens of free public schools across the Greater Hartford region for next fall. The online application to apply for the lottery for the upcoming school year is available now through Feb. 6, 2026, according to officials.
Families can choose from over 40 public magnet schools, schools and districts that participate in open choice, and three Connecticut technical education and career system Hartford region technical high schools.
Families must apply by Feb. 6, to access the widest range of options and for the best chance of receiving a placement offer, education officials said. Placement notifications will begin in late February 2026 for the CTECS schools and in March 2026 for magnet schools and the Open Choice program. A late application period will open in mid-March 2026 for limited grades, schools, and programs based on waitlist size.
“Through the RSCO school choice application, Connecticut families can apply to free public schools in the Greater Hartford Region that fit their child’s unique skills, interests, and passions. This includes over 40 magnet schools with specialized themes incorporated into the core curriculum, such as S.T.E.M., visual and performing arts, and Montessori schools,” the state Department of Education said.
Nearly 20,000 Connecticut students are currently enrolled in the Greater Hartford Region’s choice schools.
For more information about RSCO and to apply, visit ChooseYourSchool.org and follow RSCO on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]