For many of us, it was a given that the school closest to home — or for those growing up in smaller towns, the one school in the district — would be the school we would attend.

That’s not how it works in Hartford.

Here, there is a lottery that children’s names and choices are entered into when they first enroll and then again when they are in transitional years, before entering middle or high school. It’s said that those who meet the application deadline of February 28, 2014 will be guaranteed placement into one of their top four schools. If a school is not working out for a family, they can enter the lottery again during non-transitional years, but placement is not then guaranteed. Those who do not enter the lottery during transitional periods are said to be placed in the school closest to the student’s home.

On Thursday, January 16, 2014 there will be an expo at Hartford Public High School to allow parents the opportunity to ask questions about individual schools to their respective principals and staff members. A message from Hartford Public Schools suggests this is a time to ask about “curriculum, school uniforms, academic expectations, transportation, and other subjects” that would help families decide which schools might be a good fit.

Hartford Public High School is located at 55 Forest Street. The event runs from 5-8 pm on January 16, 2014. Parking can be tight up by the school itself, so aim to leave the car down the street in the State Parking Lot C, past the high school’s field house.