Frequently Asked Questions

2019-2020 Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools

Definitions:

In District Student – the student lives within the School District 27J boundary

Out of District Student – the student lives outside the School District 27J boundary

School Boundary (Attendance) Area – Each District-managed school has a geographic area assigned to it that is called the school’s boundary area.  Students are assigned to a school’s boundary area based on the student’s primary residence address.

Q:        Can I open enroll my child at any school in the District?

School District 27J allows any student to apply to attend any SD27J school/program on a space/program available basis. 

Due to space constraints, the following schools will not be accepting new applications for Open Enrollment - Choice of Schools:

• Brighton High School
• Prairie View High School
• Riverdale Ridge High School
• Quist Middle School

Q:        When is the Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools application period?

           Applications for Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools will be accepted from January 8, 2019 through February 8, 2019. 

Q:        How do I apply for Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools?

Applications for Open Enrollment - Choice of Schools will be available on the District website from January 8 through February 8, 2019.  An Application for Open Enrollment - Choice of Schools need not be submitted if your student is currently open enrolled at his/her school of choice. 

Q:        What if I am unable to fill out an application online?

           If you are unable to fill out an application online, you may contact the school your student wishes to attend.

Q:        Will the District provide transportation if my student is open enrolled?

           No, transportation is provided only for students attending the schools in their boundary area.

Q:        How do I know which school is my boundary area school?

           You may click on the Find Your Child's School or School Boundary Area Maps links on the School District 27J website at www.sd27j.org.

Q:        Do I need to fill out the Application for Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools if my child will go to the school in our boundary area?

           No, there is no need to complete the application if a student will attend his/her boundary area school. Simply contact the school office to register.

Q:        Do I need to fill out the Application for Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools if my child is open-enrolled this year and wants to go to the same school?

           No, there is no need to complete the application if your student is currently open enrolled at his/her school of choice.

Q:        What if my child is in 8th grade?

All 8th graders in district-managed schools will roll up to 9th grade according to the table below.  If your child is not rolling up to your boundary area school, and you would like for your child to attend your boundary area school, simply email enrollment@sd27j.net.  This would not be an open enrollment, and you would not submit an open enrollment application.  Charter school 8th graders who live in district will roll up to their boundary area high schools.  Charter schoool 8th graders who live outside the district will not roll up to any high school.

Q:        What if my child will be in Preschool?

You will not need to submit an Open Enrollment - Choice of Schools application.  Please visit the Preschool webpage.

Q:        Do I need to fill out a separate application for each of my children?

Yes.  An application form must be completed for each student. Siblings are considered in the request, but they are not guaranteed to be accepted together.

Q:        Will I be able to apply to more than one school?

           Yes. The application form allows for you to identify first and second choices. 

Q:        Is Open Enrollment – Choice of Schools available to students with disabilities?

           Yes, however students with disabilities may not choice into a center-based program as this can only be achieved through the IEP process.

Q:        When will I be notified as to whether my application has been accepted or denied?

Schools will notify parents of the status of their application by March 8, 2019.

Q:        If I change my mind after accepting placement, will my student be able to return to the boundary area school?

           Yes, however a request for transfer must be completed through the school office.

Q:        Will my acceptance to a school be based on the time my application is submitted?

All applications are accepted on a space/program available basis and will be addressed on a first come first served basis and in accordance with School District 27J policy and the established priorities specified below. All applications will be documented and receive priority according to the date and time they are received.

Q:        What are the established priorities?

Priority of Choice Applications. The following orders of priority of choice applications will be followed when considering new choice applications for schools with limited grade level or building capacity:

First priority. Resident District 27J students seeking choice placement.

Second priority. Out of district children of District 27J staff members.

Third priority. Out of district students with a sibling currently attending the desired school.

Fourth priority. Out of district students with a sibling in District 27J who attends a school other than the one the student is applying to attend.

If the Superintendent determines that a school is no longer able to serve choice students due to overcrowding, boundary changes or programmatic changes, the same order of priorities will be used to determine which students may remain enrolled as space allows.

Q:        How do I enroll my student at a charter school?

           You may contact each charter school directly for its registration process.

Q:        What if I have other questions regarding my child’s enrollment?

Feel free to email us at enrollment@sd27j.net if you have any other questions about Open Enrollment - Choice of Schools. If you have specific questions regarding where your student will be enrolled for the 2019-2020 school year, please include your student's name and primary address.