Old Rochester Regional Junior and Senior High Schools have more than curb appeal for out-of-towners.

The schools are drawing an increasing number of students from surrounding towns through school choice – the state-wide program that allows students who live in one district to apply to another one for public education.

“We seem to be the place that people want to be,” said High School Principal Michael Devoll at the ORR School Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 11.

Under the program, Old Rochester can collect $5,000 per student for an out-of-district tuition.

“I know both principals are very happy with students coming in through that program,” said Superintendent Doug White. “We can offer programs we might not be able to offer based on our own population. It’s good for our own students.”

Currently, the Junior and Senior High Schools have 51 students in the program and will add an additional 21 spots. Students come from Fairhaven, Wareham, New Bedford, Westport and other nearby towns.

Devoll said, “It seems we are attracting really strong students. Some are coming for opportunities in the arts that they don’t have in their districts.”

Junior High School Principal Kevin Brogioli agreed.

“Most of the students coming to the Junior High are polished also,” he said. “Some students need a second chance and have flourished in the setting.”

White said 58 applications have already been received, and there will likely be more before the deadline in the first week of June.

“We’ve been touring students all year in eighth grade who are considering applying for school choice,” said Devoll.

Eight of the 21 slots will be equally divided in the seventh and eighth grades, and the remaining spots will be open at the High School.

“The word is out and people want to come here,” said Brogioli.