2026 - 2027
What Busy Moms Need to KnowPolk County Public Schools (PCPS) is opening the School Choice application window on Monday, January 12, giving families across Polk County the chance to apply for specialty school programs for the 2026-27 school year.
What Is School Choice?
School Choice lets families apply for programs outside of a child’s zoned school that focus on academic interests, career learning, and accelerated study options:
- Magnet/Choice Schools with unique themes like STEM or fine arts.
- Career Academies that prepare students for jobs and industry credentials.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Programs globally recognized academic pathways.
These options help students explore their interests and grow academically in ways traditional schools might not offer.
Important Dates & How to Apply
Application Window: January 12 – February 20, 2026
Where: Apply online through the PCPS Parent Portal — no paper forms.
Selection: Most programs use a lottery system to award seats, so early applications don’t guarantee placement. High school IB and Cambridge have additional academic requirements.
Before submitting, make sure your Parent Portal account is set up and updated. You’ll need it to apply.
Extra Details
Divi’s Mission & Vision
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Magnet school students do receive district transportation when they live more than two miles from campus.
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Career academy students at locations outside their home zone do not get transportation provided.
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Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) opens later (in April) and will let families apply to any school with open seats (excluding magnet programs).
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Head Start and VPK programs are applied for separately in the spring.
