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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about East Central ISD's Choice Schools
 

What are choice schools?

Choice Schools are campuses within East Central ISD that provide unique learning environments tailored to various instructional models. East Central ISD offers 6 unique programs and opportunities for your child's Pre-K through 12th Grade education. With these schools of choice, families are able to shop around for specialty program options and find the best-fit school for their child. 
 

Why does ECISD have schools of choice? 

East Central ISD believes that all families should be empowered to take ownership of their student’s education and have the flexibility to choose the learning environment that best suits the student. Schools of choice provide autonomy for parents and students to pursue pathways aligned to each student’s postsecondary goals from elementary through graduation.
 

What schools are available?

  • Salado Leadership Academy 

  • Salado Dual Language Immersion Academy

  • Oak Crest Dual Language Immersion Academy 

  • Pecan Valley STEM Academy

  • CAST Lead High School

  • East Central High School Health Science P-Tech
     

How is a Choice School Different from a neighborhood school? 

Neighborhood schools are assigned to families based on the address in which the student lives. Schools of Choice allow families who may not live in the assigned boundary to attend the campus for the specific program. For example, if a student lives within the boundaries of Oak Crest Elementary but wishes to attend the Pecan Valley STEM Academy, they could transfer.

SERVICES

Are there special education services at ECISD choice schools? 

Special education includes instruction, services and supports that are specially designed to meet the unique needs of identified children who have disabilities as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Students with disabilities requiring special education services are encouraged to apply for any school of choice they are interested in attending. If you suspect your child may be a student with a disability requiring special education services, please contact Joshua Kohutek, ECISD Special Education Director, at joshua.kohutek@ecisd.net.

What about Section 504 services? 

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met, inclusive of the school setting. Students with Section 504 needs are encouraged to apply for any school of choice they are interested in attending. If you suspect your child may be a student with a disability requiring Section 504 services, please contact Alethea Masch, ECISD Special Education Coordinator, at alethea.masch@ecisd.net.
 

Are bilingual education services offered at ECISD Choice Schools? 

All Students enrolling in PK/Kinder, for the first time will be invited to the Dual Language Immersion Program, including students of other languages and Special education students. The Bilingual & ESL department provides interpreters for parents that request this support.

Important to note that Emergent Bilinguals identification and placement in language program services must not be refused solely on the basis of a student’s disability.
 

Are transportation services offered at ECISD Choice Schools? 

Transportation to identified Dual Language academies is provided via satellite locations. Transportation for all 8-12th grade students attending CAST Lead will be provided transportation on the same schedule as East Central High School. CAST Lead students should report to their assigned bus stop for High School pick up and will be dropped off at these locations. 

For students enrolled in the Dual Language Immersion Programs: If the student lives in the Legacy attendance zone, the student will ride the regularly assigned bus for the Legacy attendance zone to Salado Elementary. If the student lives in the Heritage attendance zone, the student will ride their regularly assigned bus for the Heritage attendance zone to Oak Crest Elementary.  

For Salado Leadership Academy students: If the student lives in the Legacy attendance zone, the student will ride the regularly assigned bus for the Legacy attendance zone to Salado Elementary. If the student lives in the Heritage attendance zone, the student will ride their regularly assigned bus to Oak Crest Elementary. The students will then be transferred to a shuttle bus at Oak Crest Elementary to be taken to Salado Elementary. 

SCHOOL SPECIFIC

CAST Lead High School 

For CAST Lead High School, review their FAQ