District Ends Annual Choices Fair
Wichita schools will no longer hold the event that showcased magnet programs and special options for more than 20 years.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Wichita school district has discontinued its annual Choices Fair, which for more than 20 years was held at Century II and featured booths from schools across the district. District officials canceled the event because they lacked sufficient data to determine whether it increased magnet school applications.
Why it matters
Families in Wichita who relied on the fair to compare magnet and special programs will need to use other channels to learn about options. The decision reflects a push to tie district spending to measurable results.
Wichita offers 23 magnet schools, and the district provides these programs free of charge with free bus transportation. The district did not have data showing the Choices Fair produced additional magnet applications relative to the resources it consumed.
The players
Wichita Public Schools (USD 259)
The Wichita school district operates the city's public schools and its 23 magnet programs.
The details
The annual Choices Fair, usually held in late fall at Century II, let schools across the district set up booths or demonstrations for families. District officials decided to end it after finding the expense of staff time and resources could not be tied to more magnet applications. Families can instead explore options through the district website or during School Visitation Week in January.
Timeline
Two years ago: District launched the Creative Minds Academy microschool.
Late fall (annually): The Choices Fair was typically held.
January: School Visitation Week lets families explore magnet programs.
Jan. 29: Deadline for secondary-school magnet program applications.
March 12: Deadline for elementary magnet program applications.
Season Trajectory
The district launched the Creative Minds Academy microschool two years ago, expanding its alternative education offerings. Ending the Choices Fair while those offerings grow shifts how families are expected to discover magnet and special programs.
Families seeking magnet options should use the district website or attend School Visitation Week in January before the application deadlines. Magnet programs are free and include free bus transportation, which can affect school choice decisions.
The takeaway
Families should check application deadlines early and use School Visitation Week to compare magnet options directly. Free transportation makes many programs accessible regardless of location.
What happens next
Secondary-school magnet applications are due Jan. 29, and elementary applications are due March 12.
Further reading
Explore more in Secondary Education coverage for context on how schools are changing outreach to families.
More information
Find magnet program details on the Wichita district magnet programs information website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KMUW.
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