School selection for the 2026–2027 academic year officially begins today as families prepare for important enrollment decisions

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District opened its School Selection window this morning, marking the official start of a months-long process that will determine where thousands of students begin the next stage of their education. Beginning today, Monday, December 8, families with children entering Kindergarten, 7th grade, or 9th grade can submit their choices for the 2026–2027 school year. PreK 4 students enrolled in an RCSD program or receiving Special Education services are also included in this cycle.

This annual process arrives with a mix of excitement, nerves, and long-term planning for parents hoping to match their children with the right learning environment. RCSD operates a zoned system, but families have flexibility to consider schools both within their zone and among several citywide options. All applications must be submitted online at www.rcsdk12.org/schoolselection, which now serves as the hub for everything from zone identification to school rankings.

District officials emphasize that the system is meant to be simple, even for those unfamiliar with navigating multiple school choices. To help guide families, RCSD highlights the process in three clear steps, beginning with exploration. Each school profile—available on the District website—offers an in-depth look at academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and distinctive features that differentiate each building. The District’s online digital magazine adds another layer, gathering many of the middle- and high-school offerings into a single, easily browsed resource.

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After browsing their options, the next step invites families to talk through priorities and rank their choices. RCSD encourages parents and guardians to involve their children directly, discussing the feel of each school, the subjects that spark their interest, and the kind of learning environment in which they imagine themselves thriving. For many families, this becomes a turning point—an opportunity not only to check boxes on a form, but to think together about goals and future aspirations.

The third and final step—completing the application—begins with identifying the family’s school zone. The online form allows parents to enter their home address and immediately see which schools are available based on zoning rules, as well as what citywide programs may be open to them. The final deadline for submitting all School Selection applications is Friday, February 13, 2026.

Recognizing that not all families have easy access to computers, or may feel unsure about the online system, the District is offering several forms of support. Those needing help can contact [email protected] or call the Office of Student Registration directly at 585-262-8241, where specialists are available to review school options, walk families through the portal, or answer detailed questions. In-person assistance is also available at the Office of Student Registration at 131 West Broad Street, Floor 1, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To ensure that no one is left behind due to scheduling limitations, the District will also hold special weekend hours at Central Office. On January 10 and February 7, staff will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to help families complete applications or gather information before making final decisions.

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With the School Selection period now underway, district leaders hope families begin exploring early rather than rushing near the deadline. RCSD stresses that understanding options—and truly considering what each child needs—makes the process more meaningful and ultimately leads to better matches.

Additional information, including application access and school profiles, can be found at www.rcsdk12.org/schoolselection.