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Understanding the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) application process

Acceptance into Connecticut River Academy is determined through a random lottery process conducted by the State of Connecticut Regional School Choice Office (RSCO).

RSCO was created by the Connecticut Department of Education to assist families interested in learning about, and applying to, public school choice options in the Greater Hartford region. Any student entering grades pre-K through grade 12 and who resides in Connecticut at the time of application is eligible to apply for the lottery.

RSCO programming includes over 45 magnet schools and 29 participating Open Choice districts. However, applications outnumber seats available. In order to make it fair and equitable for all interested families, a lottery system was created to allow for that to happen. It’s very important when considering your choices to get all the facts regarding the likelihood of being awarded an offer at any particular school of choice.

Make an informed decision

With many educational choices in the State of Connecticut, taking the time to make an informed decision on what best fits the needs of your scholar is essential for success.

We encourage parents to ask the right questions and inquire about the likelihood of being awarded an offer at a particular school of choice.

At the Connecticut River Academy (grades 9 through 12) we typically have 130-140 seats available each lottery season. Most seats available are in our incoming grade 9 class.

We understand that finding that perfect fit for your child is important, so we offer multiple ways to learn about Goodwin University Magnet Schools. Families can attend a virtual information session, speak one-on-one with an administrator about the school, or even shadow one of our current scholars — see our schedule of events for details.

How to apply

1. Submit your application online

Parents must submit a new application each year, for each child, if you wish to be considered for the lottery. You will need to register online for the lottery through the RSCO website. A computer-based method sorts and places students who submit an application into the RSCO lottery.

2. RSCO lottery run(s)

Once the application period has come to a close, the State will run an initial lottery round typically in early spring. RSCO will contact you directly when the initial round of the lottery is conducted. Applicants will either be offered a school placement or placed on the wait list. Once a placement is offered, your student will be removed from all other magnet school and Open Choice waitlists. Additional lottery rounds are conducted until all seats have been filled.

3. Accept/decline your offer

Applicants will be given a deadline on which to respond to their seat offer. You must go online to accept or decline your seat offer and/or your wait list opportunity by the date specified or your seat will be forfeited.

4. Complete registration and all required paperwork and visit school

Once you have accepted your seat at our school, we will set up a time for you to come in and register your student. A registration packet will need to be completed along with additional documentation, school records, residency verification, etc. You will be provided an opportunity to visit the school and make the necessary arrangements so as to make transition into our school as smooth as possible.

More information can be found here!

To contact RSCO:

Regional School Choice Office
Parent Information Center
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite P28
Plaza Level (part of Constitution Plaza)
Hartford, Connecticut 06103-1841
860-713-6990

The office is open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except state holidays).