Families with students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District are heading into a school choice season unlike any other, as major changes across the district take effect.

Beginning Monday, parents and guardians can log into CMSD’s enrollment system to choose schools for the 2026–27 school year. The process is more complicated this year because the district is significantly reducing its number of school buildings, forcing many students to move to new schools.

The enrollment window closes Feb. 27, and student placements will be announced in late March, according to Signal Cleveland.

Who needs to take action?

Not every family has to use the enrollment portal, but many do. Registration is required for:

– Families new to CMSD
– Students who want to change schools
– Current 8th graders choosing a high school
– Students attending schools impacted by closures or mergers
– Students at schools that are closing have already been matched with a designated welcoming school, where they are guaranteed a seat for next year. Families must still log in to confirm that placement by the February deadline.

Schools required to register due to closures or mergers:
K–8 Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson

Alfred A. Benesch

Bolton

Charles Dickens

Charles A. Mooney

Euclid Park

Hannah Gibbons

Louisa May Alcott

Miles

Mary Church Terrell

Mary M. Bethune

Mary B. Martin

Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Waverly

Valley View Boys’ Leadership Academy

High Schools

Collinwood High School

Campus International High School

MC2STEM High School

New Tech West High School

Facing History New Tech High School

Who does NOT need to register?

Some students are not required to take action unless they want to change schools. That includes:

– Students at high schools merging on the same campus, such as John Hay and John Marshall
– Students at specialty schools relocating to new buildings, including Tremont Montessori

Transportation and guaranteed placements

Students forced to change schools will receive district transportation for two school years if they already ride the bus and attend their assigned welcoming school.

Families who decline the guaranteed placement can still apply to other schools and will receive priority consideration, though standard transportation rules will apply.

How school selection works

CMSD allows students to attend most schools across the city. Some schools have academic entry requirements, while others admit students through a lottery system.

Families can rank up to five schools, and sibling attendance is considered during placement. The district recommends listing at least three choices to improve placement chances.

Help for families

CMSD is offering support for families navigating the changes:

In-person school fairs

East Side: John Adams High School – January 31

West Side: Max Hayes High School – February 7

Enrollment support

Phone: 216-838-3675

Office: 1111 Superior Ave. East, Cleveland

Families affected by school closures can also work with district choice navigators, who help parents understand options and complete the process.

CMSD leaders say enrollment numbers will directly affect staffing decisions for next year, making it especially important for families to confirm their plans before the February deadline.