Frequently Asked Questions

Open Enrollment means students living in Douglas and Sarpy counties may apply to attend any public elementary, middle or high school in the Learning Community.

Open Enrollment is meant to improve academic achievement for disadvantaged students. The goal is to increase socioeconomic diversity in Learning Community schools.

No. If you wish, your children may continue attending their neighborhood school.

Any parent, guardian or emancipated minor may apply for Open Enrollment when the student lives in Douglas or Sarpy counties.

You may apply online, download a printable application, or request an application at any school district office. Submit a separate application for each child.

Whether applying online, in person, or by mail, the deadline to apply is March 15. If applying in person, drop the application off at the school district office of your preferred school by 5 p.m. March 15. If submitting by mail, the application must be postmarked by March 15.

Yes. You may apply to as many as three schools per school district. You may apply to multiple districts using separate applications. Applying online requires only one application.

Districts will determine how much space they have available by March 1. Available space is based on guidelines established by the Learning Community Coordinating Council, taking into account staffing, space, class sizes and a district's growth needs. (needed?) Contact the district for the most current information.

The district to which you apply will make the decision and notify you by April 5.

First priority goes to siblings of students who will be enrolled as continuing students in the school. Second priority goes to students who contribute to the socioeconomic diversity of the school. Third priority is all other applicants. If limited space is available, third priority will be chosen by a lottery.

On the application, you will indicate whether your family qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunch. Eligibility guidelines are available from your school district or online at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch. For example, a family of four earning $49,969 or less per year would qualify. The district would then decide whether enrolling your child would help reach its diversity goal.

No. All qualified applicants will be considered at the same time – after the application period closes. In fact, you may want to wait to apply until districts determine which schools have room. Districts will determine how much space they have available by March 1. Contact districts for the most current information.

Districts will notify you by April 5. You must accept enrollment offers by April 25 or lose the slot. You may accept only one school for each child.

No, once a child is accepted into a building within a district, he or she remains within that district until graduation or a family decides to no longer attend that district. When an Open Enrollment child finishes elementary or middle school in the district, you will have to notify the district so your child can continue school at the next level. The school district will notify you regarding continuation and building availability, and you will have until February to reply with any building preference requests.

Yes, as long as your Open Enrollment application is filed by March 15, you notify the district of acceptance by April 25, and you meet all other eligibility requirements of the Nebraska School Activities Association.

It depends. Siblings must attend the same school at the same time to receive the sibling priority. If the older child currently attends the desired school this year but will move up next year to middle or high school, the younger sibling has no claim to a priority status.

No. Districts will assign their resident students to schools first, including resident students transferring to a new school within their district. After that, districts will assign Open Enrollment students. However, even in your own district, some buildings or special academic programs could be closed to residents because of high demand or neighborhood overcrowding.

Students are more likely to receive free transportation if they live more than a mile from the school and any of the following: Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, attend or magnet school or focus school, or contribute to school socioeconomic diversity.

The districts will determine bus routes and stops after April 25.

This is determined by each district. State law provides for reimbursement under certain circumstances.

You can still apply using Option Enrollment. Contact the district you wish to attend for details.

The best way to know you've made the right decision is to visit schools. After exploring schools online, call schools directly to schedule visits and speak with principals.