The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has shared new dates for families looking to participate in the school choice process. According to FOX 26 Houston,HISD has retained its existing procedures for the application, lottery, and transportation supports with no major alterations, and all schools, including magnet schools, will be included in the choice process.

Superintendent Mike Miles and Chief Academic Officer Kristen Hole announced the progress during a press conference, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.  "HISD has a long history of providing an extensive array of school choice options for families. Long before joining the District, I knew about Houston’s impressive range of offerings – and the program is a source of pride for our HISD community. We will continue to provide excellent choice options while also working to strengthen our neighborhood schools."

The deadline for gifted and talented testing requests is on Dec. 8 for those aiming at the Vanguard magnet programs.

Phase I is due on Feb. 23, and the HISD lottery is planned to throw down results on March 26. HISD hasn't announced the Phase II deadline yet.

According to the Houston Chronicle, changes will be implemented in pre-kindergarten enrollment, eliminating the requirement for applications. "This zoning really allows for that first step of that student entering the community with the same leaders of elementary schools and the same teachers in that area, and they can start off strong because that will be another really strong enhancement to support parents of students entering pre-K," Hole said.

Over 11,000 families chimed in, as per the Houston Chronicle,, they're all about the current choice options and magnet programs. Upcoming community events on Dec. 19 and 20 are set for in-person and online sessions. No details yet.