SCHOOL CHOICE

Your Choice. Your Future. Your Way Forward.

At City Schools, students have the choice to choose and apply for the middle or high school of their choice. Here at GHEMS, we make the school choice process as painless as possible.

Choice applications for students will be available on December 1. Students and families will be able to complete and submit their choice applications between December 1 and January 18 in the new Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS). Until then please take advantage of the many open house opportunities that are becoming available during the upcoming months.  For a list the upcoming open houses, please check back below for the upcoming dates.

May 2024

School Choice Process

Composite scores are needed for students applying to schools and programs with entrance criteria. Composite scores are calculated using grades and standardized test scores. The Spring 2023 MCAP assessment scores will be used for students participating in School Choice this year.

To calculate the final overall grade average used in the composite score calculation, we will look at three factors:

  1. General overall grade point average 
    This year’s first quarter grades. (8th or 5th grade) and
    ​​​​​​Last year’s final grades. (7th or 4th grade)
    Only the core subjects (English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) are used in the grade calculation.
  2. English & Language Arts MCAP assessment score
  3. Math MCAP assessment score

Important Dates:

  • December 1: Composite scores and choice applications available for families in the new Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS): www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/SEMS
  • December 9: Annual School Choice fair held at the Baltimore Convention Center (10a-3p)
  • December 11: Virtual School Choice platform will launch for families(cityschoolschoicefair.vfairs.com)
  • January 18: Choice applications are due in SEMS (www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/SEMS)
  • February 2: Charter applications are due.
    • Charter schools have their own application process. Please reach out directly to schools of interest for more information.

FAQ:

Please connect with your School Choice Liason for additional questions/concerns about the choice process.

We will be sending a monthly email dedicated to sharing information to help your family prepare for the process.

Additionally, please ensure that your contact information is current by completing your Annual Student Verification in Campus Portal to receive these notifications.

Additional support to families is available by district staff in the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfers (EMAIL) and Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center (EMAIL).