GISD Board calls for May bond election
Innovative Schools of Choice
Our Innovative Choice campuses are schools that provide unique or specialized thematic instruction.
Six of our schools are in the process of transitioning to new Innovative Choice school models. Campus administrators, district leaders and the school communities collaborated in developing themes for the new schools that would be attractive to neighborhood students. Visit the school websites to learn more about the specific opportunities at these Innovative Schools of Choice.
On this page
Transition process
During the transition, the existing school building will house both schools in a phased-in process that incorporates a new grade level each year.
- For elementary schools, the process will start with Pre-K (if applicable), kindergarten, and first grade during the 2022-2023 school year. An additional grade will be added per year thereafter. For example, during the 2023-2024 school year, second grade will be added.
- For middle schools, the process will start with the sixth grade during the 2022-2023 school year, with an additional grade added per year thereafter. For example, during the 2023-2024 school year, seventh grade will be added.
Qualifications
Students are not required to apply or meet specific criteria or test score requirements.
For the 2022-23 school year, all incoming students for the participating grade level at these schools will automatically be part of the new school model.
For 2023-24 and beyond, students can select one of the schools during the annual Choice of School process.
Students who live outside the school's designated transportation zone will need to make their own transportation arrangements.
Transfer requests
For the 2022-23 school year, students not currently enrolled in one of the Innovative Schools of Choice may request a transfer to one of these schools through the normal transfer request process.
Student transfers and placement will be based on the availability of seats and demand for the program. Students who are not offered a seat will be placed on a waiting list for placement.
For 2023-24 and beyond, students can select one of the schools during the annual Choice of School process.
Transportation
Students who are enrolled in an Innovative School of Choice but live outside of the school’s designated transportation zone are not eligible for district transportation services.
Comparing Innovative Schools of Choice to Magnet Programs
|
Innovative School of Choice |
Magnet Program |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Application required |
Not for 2022-23 or 2023-24 school years |
Yes |
|
Transportation provided |
Only for students enrolled in the campus who also live in the school’s designated transportation zone |
Yes, for students accepted into a magnet program |
School Action Fund Grant
These school changes are made possible through the School Action Fund (SAF) Grant. The purpose of the SAF grant is to support districts in the planning of school actions to transform selected schools and expand access to world-class learning environments for students.
This grant funding may be used to plan and support the new design efforts, provide staff training and purchase additional materials and programs.
Contact us
For questions about the Innovative Schools of Choice or the School Action Fund grant, contact the
For questions about magnet programs, contact
For questions about bus transportation, contact