Delaware School Choice: Application Window Opens Nov. 2

Delaware families looking to change schools for the 2027-28 academic year can begin the formal application process on Monday, Nov. 2, at 8 a.m. The window for submitting applications to public, charter, and vocational-technical schools outside of a student’s assigned attendance area will remain open until Jan. 13, 2027. This start date aligns with a month of open houses scheduled across New Castle County.

The New Castle County Vocational Technical School District will host a coordinated event on Sunday, Nov. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. at all four of its high schools. The event targets eighth-grade students who are considering entering ninth grade in a vocational-technical program. Students and parents can visit workshops and laboratories to review career and technical education offerings. Delcastle Technical High School will showcase 22 distinct career programs, while St. Georges Technical High School will offer demonstrations and encourage visitors to arrive by 2:30 p.m. to fully tour the campus.

Private and independent schools in the region also have admissions events scheduled for the first half of November. Sanford School in Hockessin will hold an Upper School Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 11, starting at 8:30 a.m. The event includes a guided campus tour and introductions to the college-preparatory program. Tower Hill School in Wilmington will host a Lower School Open House the same day at 9 a.m., aimed at families with children from ages 3 through fourth grade. Families must complete an inquiry form or application before registering for the Tower Hill event.

Delaware Valley Classical School in New Castle will hold an evening open house on Friday, Nov. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event is designed for prospective families interested in the school’s K-12 classical Christian education program. A second open house is scheduled for Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Under the state’s school choice program, students must be registered with their school of residence before applying to other public institutions through the online system at SchoolChoiceDE.org. Families may apply to multiple schools, subject to enrollment capacity and specific admissions requirements. Private school admissions are handled separately by each institution and may involve tuition and financial aid processes.

The Delaware Department of Education has set specific deadlines for the upcoming cycle. Schools must notify families of their application status by Feb. 26, 2027. Families are required to accept or decline an invitation by March 19, 2027. Parents are advised to review transportation options, academic costs, and enrollment requirements before finalizing their decisions.

The application period for the 2027-28 school year will close on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Families should confirm registration requirements and event schedules directly with individual schools prior to attending any November open houses.