Escambia County School Choice Expo Set for Thursday

Escambia County Public Schools will host its annual School Choice Expo on Thursday, October 29. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Washington High School. Representatives from district career academies and choice schools will staff tables inside the gymnasium and cafeteria to answer questions from attendees.

The district typically draws more than 1,000 guests to the expo. Local vendors will provide items for gift bags given to participants. Chris McFarland, the coordinator of enrollment services, said the district is pleased to offer the event again this year. He noted that the expo allows students to view all available school choice transfer options in one location.

The expo takes place during the open enrollment window for middle and high schools. That period began on Monday, October 26, and will run through December 4, 2026. Families seeking to transfer their children to a different school within the district must submit applications during this time.

Enrollment services for elementary schools will not open until later in the year. That window begins on January 25, 2027. Parents can direct questions about the general enrollment process to Chris McFarland at (850) 469-5580. Those with specific questions about career academy programs should contact Steven Harrell, the director of workforce education, at (850) 469-5357.

The event follows the 2025 expo held at the same venue. Washington High School is located in the Pensacola area. The district expects the turnout to match previous years.