Wisconsin’s public school open enrollment application period runs from Feb. 3 to April 30 for the 2014-15 school year, allowing parents an opportunity to send their children to any public school district in the state.
Traditionally, children in Wisconsin are assigned to public 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 a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.
“Wisconsin is among a number of states nationwide that offer public school open enrollment across school districts. The state’s long-running program supports parental involvement and shared responsibility for educating children,” State Superintendent Tony Evers said.
Under the open enrollment law, 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 meals based on federal income guidelines.
Parents are urged to apply online directly from the open enrollment website, sms.dpi.wi.gov/sms_psctoc. Paper applications can be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any public school district and are to be returned to the nonresident school district.
Most students who attended a nonresident school district under open enrollment last year are not required to reapply for the 2014-15 school year.
More information is available from local school districts or from an open enrollment consultant at DPI, at 888-245-2732 or openenrollment@dpi.wi.gov.
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