In this article, we address the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that parents and guardians commonly inquire when contemplating open enrollment for their children in Ohio. Whether you're exploring educational alternatives or seeking to understand the implications of such a decision, these FAQ responses aim to provide clarity and insight into the open enrollment process.
What is open enrollment?
Created in 1989, open enrollment, also known as inter-district enrollment or intradistrict transfer, allows students to enroll into another school district by following that district’s open enrollment policies and procedures. Students enrolled under an open enrollment policy must be allowed to attend tuition free.
- Who is eligible for open enrollment in Ohio?
Eligibility criteria vary by district, but generally, students who reside within Ohio and meet specific residency and enrollment requirements can apply. For example, a student must be enrolled in their resident home district to participate in open enrollment.
- What is the application process for open enrollment?
School districts are responsible for creating their own applications and procedures for open enrollment, which should be adopted by the district’s Board of Education and included in Board policy. The Ohio Department of Education annually updates their listing of open enrollment policies in Ohio school districts, which can be found here.
Parents and guardians typically need to complete an application form provided by both the home and receiving districts. The application may require supporting documents such as proof of residency. Further, students must apply for open enrollment on an annual basis. Though the receiving district may limit enrollment due to capacity or eliminate open enrollment in following years, students enrolled in the previous year when open enrollment is continued must be given priority.
- Is there a deadline for applying for open enrollment?
Deadlines vary by district, so it is important to check with both the resident and receiving districts for specific dates. However, the Ohio Department of Education has suggested the following timelines:
May 1 - Open enrollment applications are due in the superintendent’s office of the district considering open enrollment students.
June 15 - School districts inform parents/guardians whether the student has been accepted through open enrollment.
June 30 - Parents/guardians notify the school district whether or not their child will attend the district under open enrollment.
- Will transportation be provided for open enrollment students?
The receiving district is required to provide transportation to the student, but only from an existing bus stop within the district and only for the same grade levels that they transport their resident students. Transportation from outside the district is the responsibility of the parents or guardians.
- Will my child be guaranteed enrollment in the receiving district?
Admission is typically subject to space availability and other factors determined by the receiving district's policies. There may be instances where applications are denied due to capacity constraints. A student can also be refused in order to maintain racial balance in a particular school building, and the district must specify criteria used to determine racial balance in its Board policy. However, a school district may not discriminate against any student because of a disability condition; nonetheless, special education students may still be refused admission if the district does not have the available services necessary to meet the needs of the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- Can my child participate in sports or extracurricular activities at the receiving district?
Policies regarding participation in extracurricular activities vary by district. Further, if a student wishes to change schools through open enrollment, the student should consult with the school administration and follow the guidelines for athletic eligibility as established by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).
- What are the benefits of open enrollment for my child's education?
The decision to open enroll in another school district should be carefully considered based on your child's individual needs, interests, and educational goals. Parents and guardians should consider how the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of the educational experience may differ between districts. It is also essential to be aware of any potential impacts on graduation requirements or transfer credits.
Parents and guardians considering open enrollment should contact both their resident and receiving districts for additional information and guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Renee Stromski is a Student Rights Attorney in Ohio with Abdnour Weiker, LLP