Delaware Inter-District Public School Choice

Delaware offers Inter-District Public School Choice so that families may apply for their students to attend a school outside their assigned public school district.

How It Works: Delaware’s statewide school choice law allows families to apply for a seat in any Delaware public school district, regardless of where they live, as long as there is space and they follow the state application timeline. This includes traditional district schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.

Application Process:

• Families use the SchoolChoiceDE.org portal to submit applications during the annual choice window
• Can list multiple school choices on one application
• When schools receive more applications than available seats, they use lottery processes
• Must accept placement offers within defined timelines set in state policy

Priority Rules: Schools follow statewide priority rules including:

• Siblings of current students
• Residents of the district where the school is located
• Other priorities as established by state law and local policy

Tuition: $0. Delaware Inter-District Public School Choice through open enrollment is free—no tuition charges.

Transportation: Transportation obligations vary. Generally, districts provide transportation for students in their attendance area, while transportation for out-of-district choice students depends on local agreements and bus routes. Families should confirm transportation details with the receiving district.

Waitlists: When schools reach capacity, they create waitlists. Applicants may be admitted later if seats open, following the order and priorities established by state law and local policy.

Application Window: Typically early November through the second Wednesday in January for enrollment in the following school year. Kindergarten applications can often be submitted up to the first day of the school year.