Choices for Hartford Residents

Hartford Region Open Choice Program
(Formerly Project Concern)

The Open Choice program offers students who live in Hartford, entering PK4 through grade 10, the opportunity to attend a non-magnet public school outside of Hartford. Open Choice is free, and transportation is provided.

Not sure of your zone? Click here for a detailed street map 

Hartford residents who apply to Open Choice can select up to five towns assigned to their residential zone. Click your zone below to see towns you can select.

Helpful Hints
  • The majority of new Open Choice seats are offered in PK4, Kindergarten, grades 1 and 2.
  • If you select Open Choice on your application, you can select as many as five suburban districts within your residential  zone.
What to Expect as Part of the Open Choice Program
  • The Open Choice Program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience strong academic programing and enriching extracurricular options in a school district outside their hometown. This free program allows Hartford-resident students to attend high-performing public schools in nearby suburban school districts.
  • Able to place multiple applicant siblings in the first year of placements if seats are available.
  • Once enrolled, there is no need to reapply each year. Your child is enrolled through high school graduation but must remain a Hartford resident.
  • Prepares children for post-secondary education and the workforce by learning from and interacting with students from different backgrounds.
  • Students will be placed at a school outside of their home district, having the best of both worlds. This means new experiences with new people without having to move.

CREC Magnet Schools

Choose from CREC’s 17 award-winning magnet schools (and one magnet program), which are located in state-of-the-art facilities and have the latest technology, prepare students for college, and have high student achievement. Join over 9,000 students from more than 85 Connecticut towns who have chosen a CREC education.

Choose CREC and provide your child with a themed-based curriculum that allows students to develop their talents and interests in diverse learning communities and participate in real-world experiences that enhance their daily learning.

A CREC Education is Waiting For You at One of the Following Schools

CREC Elementary Schools (PreK-5)

PreK and Kindergarten applicant families can learn more about the specific considerations outlined by RSCO at chooseyourschool.org.

CREC Middle and High Schools

What to Expect at a CREC Magnet School

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