Posted on September 23, 2025
Co-Authored by:
Jack Cantrell
Corporate Counsel
Audible
Iago Lugon
Corporate Counsel
Audible
For more information on this topic, contact Nina Peckman at npeckman@acnj.org.
New Jersey's Interdistrict Public School Choice Program provides families with educational options by allowing students to attend public schools outside their district of residence without cost to their parents. This program, which was established as a pilot program in 2000 and achieved permanent status in 2010 pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:12 (New Jersey Administrative Code), enables students to enroll in participating districts, known as "choice districts," that have available classroom space. For the 2026-2027 school year, there are 119 participating choice districts.
To participate in the program, students must generally be enrolled in their district of residence for at least one full academic year before applying to a choice district. However, this requirement doesn't apply to siblings of current choice students enrolling in preschool or kindergarten, or to choice students reaching their current school's terminal grade and applying to another choice district for secondary education. The application process follows a specific timeline set by the Commissioner of Education each year. For the 2026-2027 school year, the application deadline is November 24, 2025. If a choice district receives more applications than available spaces, they must conduct a public lottery to determine student selection, with preference potentially given to siblings of current choice students.
Parents interested in the program should first check if their desired district is an approved choice district by visiting the Find a Choice District webpage. They should then review their Choice District Profile for their preferred district and submit applications according to the Commissioner's timeline. The actual timeline can vary slightly for each district, but the deadline for submitting a letter of intent has historically been in November, prior to the intended school year of enrollment. It's important to note that sending districts can limit the number of their students participating in choice programs to 10 percent per grade level and 15 percent of total enrollment. If your child is denied participation or you believe the process wasn't followed correctly, you should consult with an education law attorney, particularly if your child has special needs or if you believe the denial was discriminatory.
For transportation, sending districts must provide transportation or aid in lieu of transportation for eligible choice students. Choice students can remain in their choice district until reaching the terminal grade without needing to reapply annually. However, if the program is terminated either in the choice district or statewide, enrolled students can continue until reaching their choice district's terminal grade.
For more information:
N.J.A.C. 6A:12
New Jersey Department of Education School Choice Program
Contact Information:
New Jersey Department of Education
Interdistrict Public School Choice Program
P.O. Box 500
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0500
Email: pschoice@doe.nj.gov
