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Public school open enrollment application period opens Feb. 6

Legislation extends application period from three weeks to three months

Wisconsin's open enrollment application window for the 2012-13 school year began at midnight Feb. 6, allowing parents an opportunity to send their children to any public school district in the state.

A new law, 2011 Wisconsin Act 114, extends the application period from three weeks to three months. The law will be effective later this month when it is published by the secretary of state. Upon enactment, the open enrollment application period will be from Feb. 6 to April 30.

Traditionally, children in Wisconsin are assigned to school districts based on the location of their parents' home. The open enrollment application period is the only tuition-free opportunity for most parents to apply for their children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.

"The extended open enrollment application period supports parental involvement and shared responsibility for educating children," said State Superintendent Tony Evers. "Parents who are involved in their children's education make a critical difference in the success of their students and the strength of local public schools. Wisconsin's open enrollment program is one way for parents to take an active role in their children's education," he said.

Under the full-time public school open enrollment program, parents must apply during the Feb. 6 to April 30 application period to the school district they wish their children to attend. Online application is encouraged. Application deadlines are firm. Early and late applications are not accepted. Under the new legislation, parents will be informed by June 8 whether their open enrollment applications have been approved or denied.

Transportation, in most circumstances, is the responsibility of the parent. However, some school districts may provide partial transportation. Parents with questions should call the nonresident school district office to find out if any transportation will be provided. Reimbursement of a portion of transportation costs is available for families whose children are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches based on federal income guidelines.

Additional information is available in the complete news release and on the open enrollment website.

Last updated on 2/6/2012 9:02:38 AM