School of Choice

Middletown City Schools School of Choice
Choice in Middletown City School District begins when you decide to raise your children in our community. MCSD offers students and their families a range of school choices. We are committed to preparing all students; allowing them to dream today so they can rise tomorrow.
School Choice provides parents with the option to apply to an elementary school, other than their assigned neighborhood school, during an open application window. In Middletown City Schools, there are two elementary schools of choice: Central Academy and Rosa Parks Elementary. Both schools offer the core curriculum through either Project Based Learning (PBL) or Challenge Based Learning (CBL).
If you would like your student(s) to attend one of these schools, rather than their neighborhood school, please fill out the application for the school of your choice. The building principal receives your application and someone will be in touch to update you regarding the status of your application.
For school of choice you do NOT need to complete the online application each year. Current students will be given the option to remain at their school of choice by returning a form sent home by the school by the deadline..
If accepted to a school of choice, transportation will be provided to students who live more than one mile from the school building.
Central Academy (Accepting Applications K-6)
PBL! Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. This authentic learning provides them real world opportunities to collaborate, work on critical thinking skills, and dive deeper into the meaning behind their learning. Students are also then able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience of their peers and teachers!
Student Empowerment! Building Relationships! Multiage Opportunities! Small School Environment!
Rosa Parks Elementary (Accepting applications K-5)
CBL! Challenge Based Learning is a framework that gives students opportunities to blend instructional grade-level standards with real-world challenges. Students learn how to ask thoughtful questions and then identify, investigate, and solve challenges. The approach helps students develop skills necessary to thrive in future years and in an ever-changing world through problem-solving and collaborating at the elementary level.
Students will have opportunities to use a new Literacy Lab, Tech-based MakerSpace Lab, Outdoor Labs, & collaboration spaces throughout each grade level hallway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the enrollment period for the "Choice"?
“Choice” will remain open until grade levels or classrooms reach a determined capacity.
Which schools fall under the "Choice" definition?
Parents can choose to enroll students in their neighborhood school, Central Academy (grades K-6) or Rosa Parks (grades K-5).
What is the process for enrollment?
A parent must first enroll with their neighborhood school, and then complete the online application process to request enrollment at either Central or Rosa Parks. Once the application is reviewed by the school principal at either Central or Rosa Parks, parent will be notified of a decision. If the application is not approved, student will automatically be assigned to his/her original neighborhood school.
Will transportation be provided?
The current transportation guidelines that are in place will be followed. If a student resides within 1 mile of the school they are attending, they are a walker. If they reside 1 mile outside of the school, the student will receive transportation.
The district reserves the right to change the transportation guidelines.