FAQ - Elementary and Middle Schools

How do you apply for enrollment?

The elementary/middle school application will be available online October 15, 2025 - November 28, 2025.  Applications entered after 5 pm on November 28, 2025, will be late and marked post-enrollment.  These late applications may be considered if space is available.

In cases where there are duplicate programs, the residence of the parents/guardians will determine the school to which the student is eligible to apply. The duplicate programs are listed below:

Elementary:
Expressive Arts – Morehead, Peeler-Hampton VPA, or Parkview
Global Studies – Brooks or Johnson Street
Montessori – Erwin or Triangle Lake
Spanish Immersion – Jones or Kirkman Park
World of Discovery – Falkener or Northwood

Middle:
Middle School for the Arts – Lincoln or Penn-Griffin
Middle School Global Studies – Lincoln or Johnson Street
To verify the school to which your child should apply, call the Student Assignment Office at (336) 370-8303

What is unique about Choice Schools & Programs?

At the elementary and middle school levels, each of the Choice Schools & Programs emphasizes a specialized theme or adheres to a special philosophy of teaching and learning. As for the curriculum, all Guilford County schools, including Choice Schools & Programs, follow a curriculum prescribed by the State of North Carolina. Choice Schools & Programs, however, provide unique opportunities for in-depth study and enrichment experiences in specific areas of interest such as math, science, the arts, foreign language, and communications. Also, subjects in the core curriculum are taught with a focus on the school's theme. These experiences greatly expand a student's exposure to particular areas of interest beyond those available in other schools.

 The schools with special philosophies, such as the Montessori schools at Triangle Lake and Erwin. At GCS, we design all our schools and programs to be places where students can explore, experience a sense of belonging, build their identity and contribute to their school community.

How do I make the right choice for me or my child?

Choosing the right school or program is important. Our teachers and staff will help inform, guide and mentor students and families, showing you the many opportunities available, helping you choose a path, and developing strategies to help you attain your goals. Some parents select a program based on their child's special interests, talents, and abilities. Others base their choices on the recommendations and experiences of friends with a child already in a program. It is very important for parents to visit the schools they are considering seeing the programs first and before making a final decision. All choice schools schedule open houses and tours during the application period and at other times also. To take advantage of these opportunities, call the school for dates and times.

Are there exceptions to the application process?

Spanish Immersion:  Students who live in the Jones or Kirkman Park district and want to be a part of the Spanish Immersion program must complete and submit a Choice Schools & Programs application during the application period.

Brown Summit Center for Advanced Academics:  There is a separate, criteria-based application required for Brown Summit Center for Advanced Academics.  The application is also completed online. Submission of the Brown Summit application does not prevent you from also submitting an application for up to three other middle school Choice Schools & Programs.  If the student is selected for both Brown Summit and another of our Choice Schools & Programs, the parent must decide which program they are accepting by the deadline communicated. Click here to visit the Brown Summit Center for Advanced Academics website.

Do families pay tuition to attend one of the Choice Schools & Programs?

There is no tuition for students whose parents live in Guilford County. No matter where you live in Guilford County, how you learn or what your interests may be, GCS gives you innovative, world-class choices at no cost. By giving every single Guilford County student the power to choose, we’re putting them on pathways that enable them to succeed in school, our workplaces and the world. Occasional costs that may occur during the year would be similar to those in any other school. The state-of-the-art technology, equipment and/or the unique instructional strategies not available in other schools are funded by the school system and a special school grant. Applications from students whose domicile is outside Guilford County will not be considered.

Who is eligible to apply?

Every single student deserves innovative educational choices that inspire and prepare them to create the world they want to live in. The elementary and middle Choice Schools & Programs application process is open to all students who reside in Guilford County. The Spanish Immersion Programs only accept students for kindergarten, or first grade and the Montessori programs only accept PreK through second grade students due to the uniqueness of these programs. Some exceptions do apply.

How are students selected for admission?

Acceptance into our Elementary Choice Schools & Programs is based on a random selection process. Every effort will be made to provide parents notification of their child's enrollment status by December 12, 2025. Applicants who are not selected in the initial process due to lack of space will be placed in a waiting pool and may be offered the opportunity to enroll later in the year, if space becomes available. If no space becomes available during the year, those in the waiting pool must reapply the following year if they still wish to attend one of our Choice Schools & Programs.

Is transportation provided for Choice Schools & Programs students?

GCS will make a reasonable effort to provide transportation for Choice Schools & Programs students who are county residents. The following document is a resource regarding transportation options.

Are siblings guaranteed acceptance?

Applicants to one of our elementary or middle school Choice Schools & Programs who have a sibling already enrolled who will continue in that program next year, will be provided a preference and will be made an offer, if space is available. However, siblings must submit an application during the official application period in order to be considered.  A sibling preference is not applied at Brown Summit Center for Advanced Academics.  All students must individually meet the entrance criteria.

For siblings who are applying and do not have another sibling already in the program of choice, applications will be considered individually. Multiple birth siblings (i.e. twins, triplets, etc.), however, will be considered as one application. For example, if one twin is accepted, both will be accepted.

Do parents of students in Choice Schools & Programs have special obligations?

If a child is accepted into one of our Choice Schools & Programs, and the student is registered at the school, the parent is making a commitment to keep their child in that program for one full school year. Also, Choice Schools & Programs parents and guardians are expected to play an active role in their child's education. Choice Schools & Programs students are expected to have good attendance and to arrive at school on time. Excessive unexcused tardies and/or absences could cause the student's placement to be rescinded.

If my child is not five years old, can I apply them for Kindergarten?

Without meeting the early admission kindergarten requirements, a student must be five years old on or before August 31 to be eligible for kindergarten. For kindergarten early admission, where the child will be four years old on or before April 16, the child must meet specific qualification requirements (see Early Admission to Kindergarten criteria).

How can I obtain more information about Choice Schools & Programs?

Call the schools you are interested in exploring and ask to speak with the principals, Choice Schools & Programs coordinators, and/or other parents who already have children in the school. Invite a Choice Schools & Programs principal or school system administrator to talk to your civic club, church group or neighborhood gathering. Tune to Channel 2, Guilford County Schools' cable TV station, for special programming on Choice Schools & Programs. For general information about Choice Schools & Programs or the Choice Schools & Programs application process, call the Choice Schools & Programs Office at (336-574-5721).