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School Choice

School Choice Applications

2025-2026 Good Cause Choice Application  - This is for the current school year (Applicants must meet the Good Cause criteria as listed below, in order for the application to be reviewed.)

We recognize that there are circumstances that may prevent families from meeting the School Choice deadline. Parents or guardians may apply for consideration after the second Wednesday in January if “good cause” exists.

“Good cause” is defined as:

  • A change in a child’s residence due to a change in the family residence.
  • A change in the state in which the family residence is located.
  • A change in the marital status of the child’s parents.
  • A change caused by a guardianship proceeding.
  • Placement of a child in foster care.
  • Adoption.
  • Participation by a child in a foreign exchange program.
  • Participation by a child in substance abuse or mental health treatment program.
  • Or a set of circumstances consistent with this definition of “good cause”.

Parent Quick Tips 

2026 - 2027 School Choice Application

If your child is not registered in the State of Delaware, you must register them in their school of residence to obtain a State ID. Choice applications will not be reviewed without a student having a State ID.  

Important Information for Choice Applications:

  • Separate applications must be completed for each student applicant.

  • There are three (3) required documents* that must be uploaded or your application will not be reviewed.

    • Student Data Sheet - This form can be found at the bottom of this page or by calling any Cape School District main office. This form will need to be completed by the current school. Once the school has completed and signed the form, parents/guardians are expected to upload it to the application. (*Students applying for Kindergarten are not required to submit a Student Data Sheet)

    • Most recent report card (*Students applying for Kindergarten are not required to submit a report card).

    • Proof of Residence (POR) - Please submit your current electric bill statement showing both the mailing and service address.  Some bills will have the service address on the second page. Be sure to submit the entire statement. If you have an online account, you can find your statement under "Bill Pay", "View PDF Statement". Additional documents may be requested. 

  • You can submit applications to multiple districts/schools.

  • It is important to maintain accurate contact information, including email address, to ensure that the districts/schools can communicate with you.

Choice Application Timeline

  • Monday November 3, 2025 - 8:00 AM - Online Choice Application Opens
  • Wednesday January 14, 2026* - 11:59 PM - Online Choice Application Closes
  • Friday February 27, 2026 - Final Day for District/School to Notify Parent of Invitation Status

  • Friday March 20, 2026 - Final Day for Parent to Notify District/School of Acceptance Decision

*Charter Schools, Vocational-Technical School Districts and Magnet schools may continue to accept applications after 1/14/2026 to fill remaining availability. Those holding a lottery will include applications received by 1/15/2026. Kindergarten choice applications can be submitted until the first day of school.

School Choice Forms

Below are the student forms associate with School Choice:

Student Data Sheet: The Student Data Sheet is required to be uploaded with the School Choice Application. Parents must request this form to completed by the office personnel at their student's current school. Once completed, the school should return the form to the parent to upload to the application. Until this form is completed, the application is considered incomplete and will not be reviewed by the District.
Student Data Sheet

School Choice Behavior Contract: The Behavior Contract is only needed when the student receives an invitation to the choice school and the parent/guardian is accepting the invitation.
School Choice Behavior Contract - English
School Choice Behavior Contract - Spanish

School Choice Termination Form: Parents will complete this form when they are requesting their child's School Choice be canceled. 
Choice Application Termination - English
Choice Application Termination - Spanish