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How Choice Works
Garland ISD’s Choice of School program allows parents to select the campus they want their children to attend for the next school year.
Announcements
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Choice of School and Magnet applications open for grades 1-12
Families can now make their 2025-26 campus choices and magnet applications for grades 1-12 from Jan. 7- Feb. 10.
- If your student is already in GISD: Check your email for your via Avela Apply account login details. IMPORTANT: There are many changes with the process this year. See the Choice and Magnet Application Process page for details.
- If your student is not enrolled in GISD: Visit the Enroll a Student page to get started using Skyward.
Customize your child's education
Garland ISD is the only option for true choice when it comes to schools. Our "Choice of School" program allows parents to select the campus they want their children to attend for the next school year. You can truly customize your student's educational experience.
For students enrolling in GISD for the first time, making your school choice selection is part of the enrollment process. While we welcome new students at any time, we encourage enrolling for the upcoming school year during the appropriate choice period listed below.
The choice periods also apply to current students who wish to make a change or who are transitioning to a new school level.
On this page
Choice of school periods
For students entering grades 1-12 in the fall, the choice period is during January and February.
For students entering prekindergarten or kindergarten in the fall, the choice period is during April.
Choice period dates for the upcoming 2025-26 school year are:
- Grades 1-12: Jan. 7-Feb. 10
- Prekindergarten and Kindergarten: April 1-April 30
Choice of School period participation
Only students who wish to change their campus, are new to GISD or are entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades must make selections. Current students have the right to remain at their campuses.
What if I like my current campus?
That's great! You do not need to submit a Choice of School form.
Choice Process
Parents are given the opportunity to choose and rank up to six campuses or programs. See the Choice of School and Magnet Application Process page for more information, including details about how school assignments are determined.
Current students
For current GISD students, parents will receive an email with the link to complete their Choice of School and Magnet Application submission in the Avela Apply system.
New to GISD
Students who are new to GISD will complete the Choice of School form as part of the enrollment process.
Will transportation be provided?
Transportation to the school you choose is not guaranteed. The factors that determine bus transportation are:
- designated transportation eligibility area(s) for each school
- magnet program acceptance
- resides within the transportation zone for the assigned campus
You can check your address at www.explore.garlandisd.net to see transportation areas for your specific location.
[Garland ISD] gave our family the freedom to decide the best path for each of our three children. Every child has a unique set of abilities, and it is important to give them the best opportunities to succeed. GISD does just that.