The Clarke County School District’s School Choice application period for the 2026-27 school year opened Wednesday, April 1, and runs through May 9, 2026.
CCSD school assignments are based on the boundaries of the district’s attendance zones; however, under state law, School Choice allows parents/guardians of students currently enrolled in CCSD (including those who do not currently attend but have already enrolled for the 2026-27 school year) to apply for a transfer to a school outside of their attendance zone.
School Choice transfers are only available at schools where the district has determined there is available classroom space after all assigned students have been enrolled. This determination is based upon a maximum class size formula provided by the Georgia Department of Education. For 2026-27, 12 of the district’s 14 elementary schools, all four middle schools, and Cedar Shoals High School are currently eligible and open for school choice. Timothy Road and Johnnie Lay Burks elementary schools and Clarke Central High School are currently at capacity under the formula used by the district and are closed to School Choice.
Families have until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, to complete the School Choice application. If the number of applications exceeds the spaces available at a particular school, selections will be made by random lottery.
Families will be notified by email by June 9 whether their transfer request is approved. If selected for School Choice, the parent/guardian must accept the transfer by July 22. If a student is approved for a transfer out of zone, guardians are responsible for transportation to and from school, as the district does not provide out-of-zone transportation. Regular school attendance and positive behavior are also required to maintain enrollment.
The School Choice application is available at this link in English and Spanish.
More information about the district’s annual School Choice application process is available on the CCSD website at School Choice - House Bill 251..