CMSD NEWS BUREAU
11/30/23
Choosing a high school can be a daunting task for eighth grade students and their families.
CMSD offers a wide range of high school models, including STEM options, the arts, science and health, medicine, career tech, early college and more.
Rick McIntosh, executive director of school choice and enrollment, says families appreciate that CMSD provides a wide variety of high school options.
“But I think it's important that we help parents understand those options, and we help them make informed choices.”
That is why, new this year, Family Information Sessions will be offered at the two High School Choice Fairs to give caregivers an opportunity to learn more about the 30 high schools and the school choice process.
The topics for the three sessions at both fairs will inform parents of the process when applying to CMSD’s five criteria high schools: Cleveland Early College High School, Cleveland School of Architecture and Design, Cleveland School of Science and Medicine, Cleveland School of the Arts and Bard High School Early College Cleveland, which require additional applications and prerequisites and, in some cases, students may need to audition.
Another session will discuss the different models and programs offered at CMSD high schools.
“CMSD offers early college programs, career tech programs, engineering programs, leadership programs and more,” said McIntosh. “During this session parents will learn about the different types of models and programs in order to see what might be the best fit for their child.”
McIntosh adds the third session will be about requirements to graduate because it is never too early to start thinking about what it takes to receive a high school diploma.
These sessions will last 15 minutes and will be offered at 5:30pm and 6:15pm during both High School Choice Fairs on December 6th at East Professional Center and December 12th at Max Hayes High School.
Representatives from the Special Education Department and Athletics will also be on hand to answer questions. And families will also have a chance to stop by informational booths to speak with representatives from the high schools.
Families can start submitting their choices for high schools beginning on Monday, December 4 at ChooseCMSD.org. The first selection process will end on January 12 at 5pm. The first round of selections will be announced on January 21.
McIntosh encourages families to come to the fairs to learn more about the different schools and the school choice process to make an informed decision on what school their child should attend in the fall.
