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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.
Big changes are coming to the Choice of School and Magnet Application process. Are you ready?
More information will be coming soon about what will be different with the Choice and Magnet process. In the meantime, follow the steps below to get ready.
Step 1: Confirm that all contact information is correct in Skyward. Important: The primary guardian’s email address and phone number in Skyward will be used to set up your access for the Choice of School and Magnet Application process in the new choice application software, Avela Apply.
- Email addresses and phone numbers can be updated in Skyward.
- You must visit the school to change guardian status or address (proof of residency is required).
Step 2: Start exploring your options for schools and magnet programs. You will be asked to list up to 6 schools or magnet programs in priority order. You will want to check qualifications for magnet programs and consider transportation before determining your final preferences.
See the Tips to Help You Choose page for resources to help you find the best fit.
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 up to six campuses or programs.
Current students
For current GISD students, parents may complete their Choice of School form through the assigned choice system through Avela Apply.
New to GISD
Students who are new to GISD will complete the Choice of School form as part of the enrollment process.
How will my school assignment be determined?
The lottery determines placement for each student by considering the following factors:
- the schools/programs selected
- the way the school preferences were ranked in the choice form/application
- the number of seats available at each school/program for that grade
- the student’s test scores for any magnet programs selected;
- the student’s priority level for that school/program
- The District has determined the following priority groups for magnet placement:
- Siblings of students enrolled at or receiving an offer for the same magnet program (must meet qualification criteria for magnet program)
- a student is the child of an employee who works at the same school as the desired magnet program (must meet qualification criteria for magnet program)
- Academy of Excellence does not have sibling or employee preference.
- The District has determined the following priority groups for non-magnet placement:
- Sibling
- Distance to campus
- The District has determined the following priority groups for magnet placement:
- How close the student lives to their choice (non-magnet)
Transportation
Parents choose the school they want their children to attend during the Choice of School process, but transportation to the school you choose is not guaranteed.
The factors that determine bus transportation are:
- designated eligibility area(s) for each school
- proximity to neighborhood school
- magnet program acceptance
Transportation can only be provided to one of the following:
- Home address of Parent or Guardian
- Grandparents address
- Licensed Childcare facility
Transportation registration is mandatory and will open in March and close June 1st.
Transportation maps are available:
- online (coming soon)
- at each campus
- at the Harris Hill Administration Building
- at the Manuel & Maria Valle Student Services Center
- at the Garland ISD Transportation Department
[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.
Contact us
For more information about the Choice of School process, contact:
For questions about transportation, contact: