School Choice

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Acceptance Guidelines

In order for a student to qualify for acceptance into the School Choice program in the Colonial School District, the student’s academics, attendance, and behavior must be in good standing. Applications are then put into the queue for a random, electronic lottery. 

Applications are sorted in the following order:

  1. The school or programs capacity
  2. The student’s priority, listed below
  3. The randomly assigned lottery number

School Choice Priorities for the Colonial School District:

  1. Returning students who continue to meet the school or program’s Academic Requirements, Attendance Requirements, and also comply with the District’s Code of Conduct. 
  2. Siblings of students who are already enrolled in the Choice School and who will be returning to the Choice School for the following academic year.
  3. Children of District employees that meet the criteria of the Choice School and/or Program. 
  4. Students residing in Colonial School District. 
  1. Students residing outside of Colonial School District. 

Colonial Early Education Program

Comprised of preschool aged children with and without identified disabilities all preschool classes are taught by Delaware state certified early childhood educators, and all have at least one paraeducator.  All classrooms have state certified speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, and/or physical therapists who work in the preschool classrooms. CEEP classrooms implement a developmentally appropriate educational curriculum which focuses on language, social, cognitive, fine motor, and large motor growth.

Mandarin Chinese and Spanish language immersion programs

Language immersion is an educational approach in which students are taught the curriculum content through a second language. Students receive math, science, and social studies instruction in a target language, such as Spanish or Chinese. Because of the teaching strategies used, students are able to develop literacy skills in both English and the target world language while attaining academic achievement that is at or above their grade level. In addition, students will develop  world cultural sensitivity. Language immersion is a wonderful vehicle to prepare our students academically, linguistically and socially for the challenges and needs of our global community.

Middle School

In an on-going effort to prepare students for the challenges of high school and beyond, the Colonial School District has redesigned our three existing middle schools.

Colonial’s approach to Middle School increases student engagement by providing a hands-on, relevant, and inquiry-based approach to learning.  Theme schools cultivate student interests and talents while building a sense of community and school spirit. The Middle School experience furthers the District’s mission to prepare every student to be college and career ready.

Colonial Middle Schools . . . 

  • Expand upon William Penn’s 20 college and career degree programs.
  •  Foster unique themes at each middle school.
  • Focus on the robust expectations of the Common Core State Standards 21st century learning and technology innovation.
  • Include educators, students, parents and community stakeholders in the planning process.

William Penn High School

William Penn High School is committed to helping our students understand, connect, and act on critical global issues by integrating 21st century skills and experiences through degree programs. Once the school year begins, students will receive their recommended courses to complete their major in four years. By the student’s junior year, they will be able to determine their “concentration” and refine their focus. By graduation, students will complete their degree programs, have had the opportunity to work with local businesses and apply for local college credits and trade certifications.

Humanities College Academy
• Behavioral Sciences
• Education
• International Studies
 Legal Studies
• Communications
  Visual & Performing Arts

Business College Academy
• Air Force Jr. ROTC
• Culinary Arts
• Financial Services
• Marketing
• Business Administration

STEM College Academy
• Agriculture
• Architecture & Interior Design
• Construction
• Engineering
• Allied Health
• Services
• Manufacturing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Information Technology