LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Parents must now use the Internet when they apply for their children to attend a certain school. This is the first time that all applications will need to be submitted online.
District officials say while this may be convenient for many parents, they understand some people do not have access to computers.
"We have 15 registration sites set up strategically throughout the district where parents can go in, sit down with someone if they need that help or just sit down at the computer and just start it if they want to on their own," said JCPS spokesman Ben Jackey. "They can register if they need to register, they can verify that address there and they can go ahead and apply."
The middle and high school application period starts on Monday and runs through January 11th.
Jackey says, "We actually have about a two month window there, which is great because it gives parents the opportunity to go on our website, go to the schools themselves and get as much information as they can, so they can make an educated choice."
The J. Graham Brown School which is for grades K through 12 is known for its high academic standards and test scores in a relaxed environment. It is just one of many schools parents can select for their child.
Principal Timothy Healy says, "Students that have a variety of learning styles and learning needs tend to find a niche for themselves here at our school."
Healy admits it's difficult to get into his K through 12 school. There are always more applicants than available spaces.
He says, "On the elementary level, we could get in anywhere between 250-300 applications and we'll take roughly 50 kids in whole elementary. Middle school, we could have maybe 100-150 applications, may only take 12 or 13 because that's the only space we have available." He says for high school about 35 to 40 percent of applicants are accepted.
While the application changes will take some getting used to, educators feel it's a more efficient way to streamline the process.
Healy says, "I think first year, parents may find adjusting to a new system problematic for them, but I believe the district has built in a lot of safeguards to help parents with that."
Elementary school applications have also been moved up. JCPS will begin accepting those applications in November.
Middle and high school students -- and their parents -- can learn more about the different schools and magnet programs at the JCPS Showcase of Schools at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27.
For more information about the Showcase of Schools, call 502-485-3323 or visit http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Showcase/index.html.
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