School Choice

Parents of children enrolled in Title I schools identified as “in need of improvement” have the option to transfer their child to another public school that is not in school improvement within the same district.

All parents are offered the option to transfer, but, if needed, priority is given to students who are struggling academically in reading or math and who are from low-income families.

Your child’s Title I school is required to notify you if your child is eligible for school choice. This notice should occur no later than the first day of school. The District will pay for or provide transportation to the new school until the original school is no longer classified as “in improvement” or until their financial responsibility has been met. Your child can remain at their new school until they have completed the highest grade available.

Most of our rural South Dakota school districts do not have the option of providing choice to families. Even in those larger districts where choice is available, families can and often do decide to stay at their present school. In these situations, some schools may choose to offer supplemental services. Supplemental services provide extra academic help outside of the school day in reading or math.

Further information is provided in “A Parent’s Guide to School Choice”