03 Feb 2024 PCSSD invites families outside their district to consider School Choice law
By Jessica Duff
The Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing an equitable and excellent education for all students through rigorous college and career readiness instruction. District administrators work year-round to assure all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders, including teachers, staff and community members.
The School Choice application period is open through May 1. Registration for Pre-K opened on Jan. 8 for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 classes. Registration will soon open for families who are not zoned for but interested in attending a school within PCSSD. That registration is for kindergarten through 12th grade and will open on March 4. Students who currently attend a PCSSD school will be automatically re-enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year.
School Choice is an Arkansas state law that allows families to register in a school district that is outside their residential zone. In the past, Arkansas students had to attend school based on where they lived. School Choice allows students to transfer from one district to another district.
“We hope you will consider sending your children to PCSSD. We take your child’s education personally,” said Assistant Superintendent for Equity and Pupil Services Dr. Janice Warren. “PCSSD is committed to providing all students with learning experiences that prepare them for college or career readiness.”
PCSSD serves 25 schools across four cities, Maumelle, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Sherwood. Those 25 schools include 16 elementary schools, four middle school campuses, one junior high campus and four high school campuses.
In the Maumelle area there are three elementary schools, Crystal Hill Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary and Pine Forest Elementary; one middle school, Maumelle Middle; and one high school, Maumelle High. If you live in the Maumelle area, you are zoned for one of these PCSSD schools.
However, school choice opens the schools to families outside district lines, allowing students to be a part of the school family, no matter their neighborhood.
If you have specific questions related to registration and school choice within PCSSD, please contact the Office of Equity and Pupil Services at 501.234.2021. You can also visit the website to learn more about School Choice and/or registration to PCSSD.
