FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Families Invited to Explore School Options at Spring Choice Expo on March 9
Tampa, Fl. (March 6, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) will open its Second School Choice Application Window for the 2026–2027 school year on Monday, March 9, providing families another opportunity to apply to a wide variety of elementary, middle, K–8, and high school options across the district. The application window will remain open through Friday, March 27.
To help families explore these opportunities in person, HCPS will host one of its largest school choice events of the year—the Spring School Choice Expo—on Monday, March 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chamberlain High School, located at 9401 N. Boulevard in Tampa.
The Spring Expo will feature dozens of schools participating in the second-choice window, allowing families to meet school administrators, teachers, current students, and parents while learning more about academic programs, specialized pathways, extracurricular opportunities, and school cultures.
“School Choice allows families to explore learning environments that best match their child’s interests, strengths, and goals,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “The second application window is especially important for families who may have missed the first opportunity or are new to Hillsborough County Public Schools.”
During the event, families can enjoy interactive demonstrations, student showcases, and engaging activities, while gaining a deeper understanding of the many tuition‑free public school options available throughout the district. Schools represented will include traditional choice schools, magnet programs, career‑focused pathways, and other specialized academic offerings.
The School Choice process allows families to request enrollment in schools outside their assigned attendance area and is not first‑come, first‑served. Placement is based on program availability, eligibility requirements, and lottery processes when applicable.
A complete list of schools attending the Spring Expo is available at: https://bit.ly/SpringExpo26
Families can apply during the second-choice window beginning March 9 at 6:00 p.m. through March 27 at 11:59 p.m. at hillsboroughschools.org/choice.
For additional assistance, families may contact the HCPS School Choice Information Line at (813) 272‑4692, available Monday through Friday.