FAQs

• What is the Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) program?
  Answer:

  Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) programs serve secondary students in full- and shared- time programs. Most programs are located at a comprehensive high school or independent facility. ASTE programs prepare students for college and careers in animal science, agribusiness, agricultural mechanics, aquaculture, biotechnology, food science, marine technology, natural resources, and plant science. More information

• What are charter schools?
  Answer:

  Charter schools are public, nonsectarian, independent schools that operate independently of a local or regional board of education pursuant to a state or local charter. Each charter school is considered a public agency and must be organized as a nonprofit entity. More information

• What are magnet schools?
  Answer:

  Magnet Schools are unique public schools that offer innovative, hand-on learning environments through specific themes or specialized instructional programming to fit the talents and interests of students. Students still learn the core subjects, but the unique theme is integrated throughout the curriculum to engage students in topics that interest them the most, including such themes as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), visual and performing arts, International Baccalaureate, and Montessori. More Information

• What is the difference between an intradistrict and interdistrict magnet school?
  Answer:

  An intradistrict magnet school can be used to support racial, ethnic and economic diversity by permitting school choice within the school district. Students do not cross district or town borders, thereby allowing local students from different neighborhoods to learn together in settings that offer unique, high-quality, themed educational opportunities. Intradistrict magnet may be operated by local and/or regional boards of education, regional educational service centers. An interdistrict magnet school permit students from different cities and towns to cross district borders to attend a themed magnet school or program. Interdistrict magnet schools receive special funding from the state including an operating grant, and a grant to support student transportation.

• What is a technical high school?
  Answer:

  The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting technical high schools serving approximately 10,200 high school students and a Technical Education Center. CTECS provides students with a comprehensive academic and advanced trade/ technologies curriculum. The CTECS curriculum is based on state academic standards and emerging business/industry standards. More information

• What is the Open Choice Program?
  Answer:

  The Open Choice Program allows students to attend schools in districts outside of their own town of residents. Districts make seats available voluntarily, schools are not specified upfront and the students become a regular part of receiving district’s school system. In Connecticut Open Choice are available in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Norwalk to or from those cities. More information

• What is the Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office (RSCO)?
  Answer:

  Connecticut’s State Department of Education (CSDE) created the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) in partnership with operator districts to conduct the Open Choice and interdistrict magnet school lottery process in response to the Sheff v. O’Neil case (Milo Sheff, et al. v. William O’Neill, et al) and the decision in 1997. RSCO supports the lottery and assists families interested in learning about how to apply for RSCO interdistrict magnet schools and programs. More information

• What should I do if want to home school my child?
  Answer:

  Contact the local Superintendent of Schools to find out your local Board of Education's policy on home instruction and obtain an Option to Exempt or Notice of Intent form. More information