Open Choice
The goal of Open Choice is to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation. Families in the Greater New Haven area are given opportunities to enroll their children in schools with available openings in a variety of grade levels. ACES is one of three Regional Educational Service Centers that oversees this effort in Connecticut.
ACES collects data on available seats in our area, manages the application and selection process, manages the transportation of those selected students, and works to support the students, families, teachers and administrators who participate in the program.
The following school districts participate in the ACES – Open Choice program:
| Ansonia |
New Haven |
| Bethany |
North Branford |
| Branford |
North Haven |
| Cheshire |
Orange |
| East Haven |
Reg. Dist. #5 |
| Hamden |
Wallingford |
| Milford |
Woodbridge |
Benefits of the ACES – Open Choice program:
- Parent meetings are held to provide information regarding this program
- After school activities transportation are provided for high school students
- Family/School Liaison & Family Intervention Specialist foster communication among families, student and schools to help all adjust to a new environment. They attend PPTs, do home visits, and school visits.
- Open Choice helps to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation. It brings diversity to the districts where your child attends school.
- College prep activities are provided to 10th, 11th, & 12th grade students
- A student forum is held annually for high school students to provide ACES and participating districts with information from the students’ perspective
- Student Profiles are completed on a yearly basis from your child’s school to help ACES keep track of how well the students are doing academically & socially
Outcomes of the ACES – Open Choice program
- Student academic achievement has improved
- Students have expressed their appreciation for the program and the benefits for their future endeavors. Parents have spoken about the difference Open Choice has made in their child’s life and what they have accomplished.
- Long lasting friendships have been created
- Students, families, and school staff work to overcome stereotypes.
- Over 90% of the ACES – Open Choice students have continued their education at colleges & universities of their choice.
Open Choice Parent Information (PowerPoint Format)
Schools
Departments
PDSI
