School Choice
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School Choice
The School Choice law (MGL c.76, s. 12B) was enacted in 1991 and permits parents who are Massachusetts residents to send their children to public school in communities other than that in which they reside. School committees choose whether or not to become school choice receiving districts, and they may designate a maximum number of available school choice seats for an upcoming year. If there are more applicants than available openings, the selection of students is conducted on a random basis, and must be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national original, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ancestry, athletic performance, physical handicap, special need or academic or proficiency in the English language. This opportunity is only available for Massachusetts residents. Transportation is not provided - parents/guardians are required to transport their children to school and must do so in a timely manner to maintain enrollment.
- Openings vary year to year, school to school, and grade to grade. Pentucket currently participates in the School Choice program at the high school level. For the 2025-2026 school year, there are 20 choice slots available for each grade in grades 9 - 12.
- Applications will be available on March 31st.
- Prospective students must apply by April 30th to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year.
- As noted above, this is a blind process that requires us to hold a lottery if there are more students who have applied than there are seats available. Emails will be sent out on May 2nd to notify students if they have received a choice spot. Any student who does not receive a spot will be placed on a waitlist and notified if additional spots become available for the upcoming school year. The waitlist is prioritized based on the earliest to latest submissions.
- Students must notify PRSD of their intent to accept a choice slot no later than May 13th.
- This opportunity is only available for Massachusetts residents.
- Transportation is not provided - parents/guardians are required to transport their children to school and must do so in a timely manner to maintain enrollment.
Refer to this FAQ if you have questions and for further information about the application process, please Contact Us.