School Choice provides additional programs and school options through a randomized choice lottery application. Choice options include innovative learning experiences, unique academic curricula, theme-based programs, eLabs, project-based learning, and individualized learning communities. School choice options include Magnet schools, Open Enrollment schools, Future Ready Institutes, Early Postsecondary Opportunities, and Hamilton County Virtual School.
Choose Hamilton
One District. Endless Opportunities.
Every student has different interests, hopes, and dreams, and must have access to opportunities that best open doors to exciting pathways to possibilities for their future. Choice schools expand the options for students to attend schools that best fit their individual interests and skill sets. These schools offer students opportunities that will propel them forward and ensure they are future-ready for college, career, and beyond.
Every student in Hamilton County is guaranteed a seat at their zone school.
Details of Choose Hamilton Process
School Type Options
- Magnet Schools
- Open Enrollment
- Future Ready Institutes
- Workforce Development & College Schools
- Charter Schools
- Alternative Programs
A magnet school is a school that offers special instruction and programs that are not available elsewhere and are designed to attract a diverse community from all areas of the school district. The draw or “magnet” for HCS magnet schools can be found to the right of each school listed along with a link to each of the schools to find out more about them. Hamilton County Schools has three types of Magnet Schools when it comes to admissions. 1) Lottery – Families submit a school choice application. If there are more applicants than seats, a lottery is run for placement. Any remaining students are moved to a waitlist until school begins. 2) Balanced Lottery – Students applying to Battle Academy (K), CSAS (K), CSLA (K), Normal Park (K, 6), and STEM School (9) must complete a choice lottery application during the choice lottery window. A student will be entered into a random lottery based on the school board district in which they live. Each school board district will allocate a percentage of seats to Battle Academy (K), CSAS (K), CSLA (K), Normal Park (K), and STEM School (9) based on the number of students living in each school board district. Any further openings are filled first from the waitlist per the school board district. The waitlist expires on the first day of school for the applying year. 3) Audition – Center for Creative Arts requires applicants to have an audition with the school in their area of arts interest. Successful applicants are offered admission by the school.
Application – Only the student’s parent or guardian may apply for admission to the School Choice Lottery. The Office of School Choice has established an admissions procedure that will provide transparent and equitable opportunities for all applicants. If an application is not made during the application time frame, or denied, students shall report to their zone school at the beginning of the new school year. Only ONE application will be considered for each student. Duplicate applications will be voided.
Open Enrollment schools within Hamilton County Schools can vary from year to year. A minimum of two weeks prior to opening the School Choice Lottery Application, HCS will post the schools, grade levels, and the number of seats available for the upcoming school year.
Families must fill out a School Choice Application within the application timeline to be in the lottery, be added to the waitlist, or to be considered for one of these Open Enrollment seats.
