Connecticut School Choice FAQ

Question 1

Does Connecticut have Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)?

Accepted Answer

No. Connecticut does not currently operate a state-funded ESA program or voucher program for private school tuition.

Question 2

Are Open Choice and magnet schools the same thing in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

No. Open Choice allows students to transfer to public schools in other districts (urban to suburban or vice versa). Magnet schools are specialized themed schools (STEM, arts, etc.) that draw students from multiple districts. Both use lottery systems and are tuition-free.

Question 3

How much does private school cost in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut has the highest private school tuition in the nation. Average costs are approximately $23,900 for elementary/middle school and $42,032 for secondary school. Some boarding schools exceed $70,000+ annually.

Question 4

Can my child attend a Connecticut charter school outside our district?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Charter schools in Connecticut are open to any student statewide, regardless of district. Admission is through a lottery if demand exceeds capacity.

Question 5

Is transportation provided for Connecticut school choice programs?

Accepted Answer

Open Choice: Yes, free transportation provided (though travel may be 1-2 hours each way). Magnet schools: Typically yes, at no cost. Charter schools: Varies by school—check with individual schools.

Question 6

Do I need to notify the state if I homeschool in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

No formal notification is legally required in Connecticut, though filing a Notice of Intent with your local school district is recommended for record-keeping purposes.

Question 7

Can students with special needs participate in Connecticut school choice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Connecticut school choice programs (Open Choice, magnet, charter) must serve students with special needs and comply with IDEA. Students retain all rights and protections.

Question 8

What happens if my child doesn't get a Connecticut school choice placement through the lottery?

Accepted Answer

Students are placed on a waitlist and called as seats become available through September. Waitlists typically expire by October 1. If not placed, students remain at their current school or are assigned to the closest school with space.

Question 9

Can we apply to multiple Connecticut magnet schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rank up to 3-5 schools (varies by region) on one application through RSCO, but you can only receive one placement offer. Choose your rankings strategically.

Question 10

Are there income requirements for Connecticut public school choice?

Accepted Answer

No. Open Choice, magnet schools, and charter schools in Connecticut have no income requirements and are free for all Connecticut residents.

Question 11

How do Connecticut Promise Programs work?

Accepted Answer

Promise Programs (Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport) are college scholarships for graduates of those districts' public schools, not K-12 school choice programs. They provide financial aid for Connecticut colleges.

Question 12

Will Connecticut participate in the federal tax credit scholarship program?

Accepted Answer

Unknown as of December 2025. Connecticut has not yet opted into the federal program that begins in 2027. Families should monitor state announcements for updates.

Question 13

Why haven't new charter schools opened in Connecticut since 2015?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut is the only state requiring legislative approval for charter school funding, creating a two-tier approval process. This unique requirement has prevented new charter schools from opening since 2015.

Question 14

What is the RSCO in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

The Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) manages school choice applications for the Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport regions. Families in these areas apply through the RSCO portal at www.chooseyourschool.org.

Question 15

Can I homeschool and use public school resources part-time in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Policies vary by district. Some Connecticut districts allow homeschool students to participate in specific classes or extracurricular activities. Contact your local school district for their specific policies.

Connecticut Regional Vocational-Technical Centers