Open Enrollment

At Douglas County School District, we are committed to providing an educational environment that meets the unique needs of every student. Our Intra-District Open Enrollment program allows students living in Douglas County to apply for a school outside their residential zone.

IMPORTANT: New Process for Families on a Variance

This new Open Enrollment policy officially takes the place of the previous "Variance" process. * Existing Variances: If your child currently attends a school on a variance, that variance will not automatically renew.

• Action Required: Families currently on a variance MUST apply for Open Enrollment during the February 9th–20th window to request continued placement at their current school.
• Permanency: The good news is that once you are approved under this new Open Enrollment system, the placement is permanent through the highest grade level of that school, and you will no longer need to apply every year.

How Open Enrollment Works

Open Enrollment is based on school capacity. We determine available seats by looking at classroom space, grade levels, and support staff.

• Application Window: February 9th – February 20th.
• Prioritization: If applications exceed capacity, we first enroll "Required Priority Pupils" from schools with the lowest state performance ratings who are requesting to attend schools with higher star ratings (see chart below for details). Second priority will go to students whose parents or guardians work at the requested school site or whose siblings currently attend the requested school site. Third priority will go to all other applicants. 
• Lottery: If seats remain limited after all priorities are met, we use a random, anonymous lottery to finalize placements.

 

Q. Is there a cost to attend a different school? 

A. No. There is no tuition for out-of-zone students. Families remain responsible for standard school-wide fees (lab fees, uniforms, parking, or technology repairs) that apply to all students.

Q. Can my application be denied? 

A. Applications can only be denied due to lack of capacity or if a student has a significant disciplinary record (suspension of 10+ days or expulsion) in the current or previous year.

Q. How is transportation funding prioritized? 

A. Generally speaking, transportation to a requested school is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. However, temporary state funding is available to support families for the 2026-2027 school year. If state grant funding is limited, assistance is awarded in this mandated order:

1. First Priority: Students moving from a school with a 1- or 2-star rating to a school with a higher performance rating.
2. Second Priority: Students directly certified for free/reduced-price meals, or those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or identified as migrant students.
3. Third Priority: All other eligible students.

Q. What happens if state funding isn't confirmed?

A. If the state does not confirm funding by July 1, you can choose to provide your own transportation to the requested school or return to your neighborhood school where busing is provided.