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RCSD School Selection

School Selection for the 2026-27 school year is form December 8 through February 13. Choose the school you want your child to attend now.


2026-27 School Selection
Monday, December 8, 2025 through Friday, February 13, 2026

Learn more about the RCSD school selection process today. If you are new to our district, a PowerSchool account and a one-time student registration are required to enroll for school in the RCSD.

Support with school selection is also available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Office of Student Registration. | Contact us

Elementary School Selection

Kindergarten Registration and Selection
For children ages 5 by December 1, 2026
School Selection Deadline: February 13, 2026
Enroll Online | School Selection | How do I register?

Students currently enrolled in PreK in an RCSD need to register for Kindergarten. Families have a choice of school within their zone. Your school zone is determined by your home address in the City of Rochester.

Explore Elementary Schools

The Rochester City School District is separated into three school zones based on different areas of the City of Rochester: Northeast, Northwest, and South. When applying, families have the option of choosing a citywide school or a school within their zone.

Learn more about schools within your zone:

What school zone do I live in?

When applying, families have the option of choosing a citywide school or a school within their zone. You can begin an online application and enter your home address to find out what zone you live in and what schools are available for your child to attend. Online applications can be started and saved, allowing families to return and explore options within their zone.

Explore PreKindergarten

Are you a city resident with a child who turns ages 3 or 4 by December 1, 2026? Your child is eligible for free PreK through the Rochester City School District. 'Start Smart' with programs at schools and community partners throughout the city of Rochester. 

Pre-Kindergarten Registration
For children ages 3 or 4 by December 1, 2026
Program Selection Deadline for PreK: April 24, 2026
Enroll Online | Locations | How do I register?

In most cases, transportation is not provided for PreK. RTS bus passes are available for a parent upon request. Families do not need to choose a location within your zone until your child attends Kindergarten.

Secondary School Selection

Middle and High School Selection
for students in grades 6 and 8
Enroll Online | Middle Schools | High Schools
School Selection Deadline: February 13, 2026

6th grade students can choose a middle school to attend within their school zone. 8th grade students can choose a high school to attend for 9th grade. Students who do not participate in the school selection process will be placed in the high school closest to your home where space is available.

Explore Secondary Schools

26-27 RCSD School Selection Digital Magazine Cover


The 2026-27 School Selection Magazine is here to help families with students in grades 6 and 8 learn more about the exciting, diverse middle and high school offerings in the Rochester City School District.

View the 26-27 School Selection Magazine

Application Schools

Some secondary school offerings in the RCSD have an application, school compact, additional requirements, and a different deadline to apply.

Rochester Early College International High School (Grades 9-12)
Apply by February 13, 2026 | Scholar Application | Recommendation Form | recihsinfo@rcsdk12.org | 585-454-3525

School of the Arts (Grades 7-12)
Apply by December 19, 2025 | Audition and Application Information| sotainfo@rcsdk12.org | 585-242-7682 

School Without Walls (Grades 9-12)
Apply by February 13, 2026 | Application Information | swwinfo@rcsdk12.org

* Families applying to an application school must still participate in the school selection process and add the application school as one of their choices.

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