RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The Rutherford County Schools are about to open their Choice School program, which allows for alternative enrollment opportunities outside of traditional school zones... That was Choice School Coordinator, Dr. Jeff McCann.

School choice gives families access to a wider range of K–12 education options for their students, beyond the standard zoned school model...Another option includes the county’s charter schools.

As for how many seats will be available at each school, those numbers have not yet been finalized, but officials say capacity will likely be limited...
Overcrowding has already led the school board to rezone several areas in recent years... While the number of portable classrooms has been reduced thanks to school additions completed last year, some campuses are still relying on portables — but that could change soon.

Right now, plans are in motion for another new high school...
And that won’t be the only project. A new school is also being considered for the Walter Hill area, though no firm plans or timelines have been released...

Once a student is accepted into a school outside of their zoned school, that exemption remains valid for the duration of that program. For example, if a student starts high school in the Blackman zone while living in the Riverdale zone, they may continue attending Blackman through graduation without having to reapply.

Choice School Specialist Melinda Walters told WGNS more about how students are selected for the Choice Program... Students are chosen through a lottery-style system. Academic performance is not part of the selection process, and once accepted, a student may remain at that school through the full grade span without re-applying.

• Learn more about the Rutherford County School Choice Program HERE.

• Hear our ENTIRE PODCAST on the Rutherford County School Choice Program HERE.