FAQ

School Choice FAQ: Navigating Your Middle School Options

Here are answers to common questions about the Norwalk Public Schools Middle School Choice process and West Rocks.

What is "Middle School Choice"?

Middle School Choice is the process for 5th-grade families to select a specialized academic program for their child to enter in 6th grade. Each of the five middle schools in Norwalk offers unique programs (like the ones at West Rocks). Students can choose to attend their neighborhood school or apply to a program at a different middle school.

How do we apply for a program?

The district uses a centralized online lottery system. During the application window (typically in the fall), you will log into the district's portal to rank your program choices. All 5th-grade students must participate, even if they plan to attend their neighborhood school.

Does everyone get their first choice?

Not always. If a program receives more applications than available seats, a lottery is held to place students. However, this lottery is weighted to give sibling preference, meaning students who have an older sibling already in the school are given priority.

What if my child doesn't get into their first-choice program through the lottery?

Students who are not placed in their first-choice program are typically placed on a waitlist. The district will ensure every student is placed in a program at one of the middle schools. If a seat does not become available, the student will attend their neighborhood school.

Can my child still attend our neighborhood school?

Yes. You can—and should—select the program at your neighborhood middle school as one of your choices if you wish to stay there. The lottery process is primarily for students who want to attend a program outside their neighborhood school.

Do we apply to West Rocks or to a specific program at West Rocks?

You only need to apply to a specific program if you are not in the feeder or sending elementary school. For those students in a feeder or sending elementary school, the student will work with their counselor to enroll in a specific program.

If my child is in the Dual Language program at Silvermine, do they automatically get into the program at West Rocks?

Yes. The Dual Language Program at West Rocks is the designated pathway for students who complete the program at Silvermine. You will not need to complete an application.

Can my child be in the Marine Science program/Dual Language Program and the Visual Arts program?

Yes. Students in the Marine Science program or the Dual Language program can take any courses within the VPCA program. Your child will still have access to these other elective classes (like art or music) outside of their chosen program, but they will be enrolled in one main pathway which may limit their ability to attend trips or experiences within a program.