County school officials reversed course on Friday and said they will recognize "The Line" that formed early at CSAS for coveted spots at the CSAS and CSLA magnet schools.
Parents for a number of years have stayed for days in lines in order to get high on the list for kindergarten applications.
The line formed earlier than usual this year, and those in the line were initially told that it would not be recognized.
Officials said a new process will be worked out next year and it will be fully advertised beforehand.
Officials on Friday said, "CSAS, CSLA, and the Hamilton County Department of Education value the passionate interest our parents have for the education of their children. It is this passion from parents partnered with the hard work of our educators that make our schools successful.
"'The Line' that has formed for kindergarten admissions since 1988 is evidence of this passion. This year, 'The Line' began earlier than ever before. As a result, many questions arose regarding the Kindergarten admissions process. Administration initially believed it was best to halt the first come, first served process and implement a new process that had been discussed.
"However, in response to community input and interest and in accordance with established guidelines that have been advertised by both schools, administrators feel it is in the community’s best interest to recognize the line that formed on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. District administration agrees.
"As such, kindergarten applications will be available on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Applications are available at CSAS, CSLA, and on the HCDE website (www.hcde.org).
"Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 8 a.m. 9 a.m. at CSAS. After 9 a.m. on Sept. 18, applications will continue to be accepted at both schools during regular school hours. All applications will be stamped with the date and time received.
"School administrators and central office personnel are already working to fine tune the procedures for future years. Community members, parents and other stakeholders will be included in the creation and implementation of the new admissions process. The new process will be advertised prior to the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year so parents and the community are fully aware of how to apply to CSAS and CSLA for the 2012-2013 school year."