Student Transfer and Choice Options

The Highlands County School District is dedicated to ensuring that all students will choose a learning path that leads to a well-rounded graduate who demonstrates good character and leadership. Students originally are assigned to the school in the attendance zone of their permanent residence; but the District also provides a number of opportunities for parents to select other options for their children in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Student Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan (“Plan”), in accordance with F.S. 1002.31. 

SBHC Student Assignment, Enrollment and Choice Plan

Controlled Open Enrollment

Controlled choice options are permitted in accordance with Florida Statute 1002.31 and pursuant to School Board Policy po5120 and will provide additional opportunities for students to attend any school in the state other than their zoned school that has available capacity. COE will provide parents greater choice options.

A list of schools accepting COE students is released each year. Applications for COE will only be accepted during the application window. Two lotteries will be done, first for in-county applicants and a second for out-of-county if there are remaining open seats.

For more information, contact Student Support Services:

Phone: 863-471-5748

Click here to email Diane Andrews Ramos

Hardship Transfer Request Applications

13.95 District Employee Student Transfer Application

Programs of Emphasis Transfer Applications

Hope Scholarship Transfer Application

Family Empowerment Scholarship Information (FES)

District Contact: Melissa Blackman
Click to email Melissa Blackman
Phone: 863-471-5567

FES UA Public School Option

Transfer Requests for the 2023-2024 school year must be submitted by the deadline. 

  • First Quarter - Deadline July 31, 2023 with a student start date of August 10, 2023   

  • Second Quarter - Deadline September 29, 2023 with a student start date of October 11, 2023

  • Third Quarter - Deadline December 8, 2023 with a student start date of January 9, 2024

  • Fourth Quarter - Deadline March 1, 2024 with a student start date of March 25, 2024

Transportation is available to the selected public transfer option if the contemplated transportation route does not exceed the time limits set forth in F.A.C. 6A-3.0171.

Applications for the Family Empowerment Unique Abilities Scholarship Waiver will open following the May 14th School Board Meeting

District Contact:  Tiffany Love
Click to email Tiffany Love
Phone: 863-471-5584

FES Private School Option

Family Empowerment and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship funds may be used for transportation to a public school in which a student is enrolled and that is different from the student’s assigned school.  For more information, please contact the Office of School Choice at 1-800-447-1636.

A sign stating Public and Private