Attendance Zone Review

Attendance zones are areas on a map that show which school a student should go to based on where they live. Each home address is linked to certain schools for elementary, middle, and high school.

RCPS uses these zones to make sure schools have the right number of students. RCPS is reviewing attendance zones to reduce overcrowding and ensure students can attend school close to home. If approved, these adjustments will result in some students zoned for a different elementary school. 

Roanoke City is growing and changing. Enrollment across the division has remained strong, and several schools are now operating near or above capacity. At the same time, other schools have available space. Reviewing attendance zones now allows RCPS to plan ahead, balance enrollment, and make the best use of existing facilities.

In 2024, RCPS worked with Spectrum Design to complete a Facilities Feasibility Study that examined enrollment trends, school capacities, and building conditions. The study found that enrollment has not declined as once projected and that both high schools are currently over capacity, as well as several elementary schools. While long-term plans include exploring options for a third high school, this review focuses on shorter-term, common-sense adjustments at the elementary level that can help balance enrollment and make sure each school is being used efficiently.

RCPS plans to make gradual, thoughtful changes to school attendance zones over several years. The goal is to reduce overcrowding, use school space wisely, and help students attend the school closest to where they live.

When the new Preston Park Elementary School opens in August 2026, it will have more room for students. Some nearby schools are currently overcrowded.. These small changes will help move some students to the new school and ease crowding in the surrounding schools. This does not mean that all of a school's students will be affected. For this initial update, approximately 230 current students will be impacted across the following schools:

• Preston Park
• Monterey
• Round Hill
• Lincoln Terrace
• Fallon Park

Visit the Find My School map to find your school based on address. 

The School Board voted to approve the updated map on May 26, 2026. RCPS contacted all current families affected by the change on Thursday, June 4 via phoen call, text, and email. Letters have also been mailed.

RCPS has held two town hall meetings to share the proposed new attendance zone map with families in the Preston Park area and nearby neighborhoods. At these meetings, families can see where changes might happen and give feedback. The maps, which were approved by the School Board on May 26, includes the list of affected addresses, are also available to download on this webpage under "Presentatons & Documents."

The School Board voted to approve the attendance zone adjustments on May 26, 2026. Impacted families were notified directly through a phone call, text, and email on June 4, 2026. In addition a physical letter was also mailed. 

RCPS is committed to ensuring students and families feel prepared and ready to attend a new school, if they are impacted by these proposed changes. 

Academic and support services, including special education and English Learner programs, will continue without interruption. In addition, schools will hold tours and orientation events to ensure students feel comfortable.

Transportation changes will be minimal.

RCPS is committed to ensuring continuity of services for every student. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is tied to the student — not to a specific school — so it will follow your child if their assigned school changes due to rezoning. Students will continue to receive the services and supports outlined in their IEP, regardless of where they attend school. If a student needs to attend a specific school to support their individual needs, RCPS will work closely with families to ensure students' needs are met.

RCPS will work closely with families and staff to ensure a smooth transition and that all students continue to receive the services they need without interruption.

Not necessarily. A common misconception is that these adjustments will significantly increase travel times or distances, but in most cases, students will attend a school that is closer to home or within a similar distance as before. The goal of attendance zone adjustments is to balance enrollment while maintaining reasonable proximity for families.

For example, students living in the Tinker Creek Apartments have been rezoned from Monterey Elementary School to Fallon Park Elementary School. Fallon Park is approximately 2.7 miles away, compared to about 2.9 miles to Monterey — meaning the new assignment is actually slightly closer.

RCPS carefully considered distance and transportation when making these adjustments to support convenience and accessibility for families.

• Fallon Park Elementary School: Friday, August 7
  • Pre-K: 9 a.m.
  • Kindergarten: 10 a.m.
  • Grades 1-5: 12 to 4 p.m. 
• Lincoln Terrace Elementary School: Friday, August 7
  • Pre-K: 9 a.m.
  • Kindergarten: 10 a.m.
  • Grades 1-5: 1 to 3 p.m.
• Monterey Elementary School: Friday, July 27 and Friday, August 7 
  • Pre-K: Monday, July 27 from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Kindergarten: Friday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Grades 1-5: Friday, August 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Preston Park Elementary School: Thursday, August 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. or Friday, August 7 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
• Round Hill Elementary School: Friday, August 7
  • Pre-K: 9 a.m.
  • Kindergarten: 11 a.m.
  • Grades 1-5: 1 to 4 p.m.