What is Open Enrollment?

The Public School Open Enrollment program is a statewide program that allows students grades K-12 to attend a public school in a district other than the one in which they reside. It is a parent’s first and best opportunity to apply for open enrollment for a particular school year. 

Any Wisconsin resident in 4K to grade 12 may apply to attend a nonresident school district under the open enrollment program. However, a child may transfer to a nonresident school district for early childhood education or 4K only if the child’s resident school district offers the same type of program and only if the child is eligible for that program in the resident school district.

Application Information

Source: WI DPI

The regular application period occurs during a 3-month application period each year from February to April for the following school year. 

The regular Open Enrollment Application Period for the 2021-22 School Year is February 1 - April 30, 2021. 

The preferred method to apply for open enrollment is using the Department of Public Instruction’s online application form. This form is “active” only during the application period and is accessed from a link on the main page of the open enrollment web site - http://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment/applications.  Although paper forms are available, they are discouraged unless the parent is unable to submit an online application.

A pupil may apply to up to three nonresident school districts in any school year. The parent may request a specific school or program in the nonresident school district, however, assignment to the requested school or program is not guaranteed—even if the application is approved.

An application may be approved* or denied** by either the nonresident or resident district. Parents will receive a response from the district they applied in June in regards to whether their child was offered a seat.  

*Enrollment paperwork is required for actual enrollment into the district.  See the enrollment for new students tab.

**See DPI website for denial reasons

Notice to all Current Open Enrollment Parents:

• If you have a child who is currently enrolled through Open Enrollment there is no need to reapply for that child. 
• If you need assistance, the use of a computer or would prefer a hard copy, please contact the District Office.  See contact info below.

Alternative Application

The alternative open enrollment application for the 2020-21 school year is now available.

Parents who miss the deadline for applying for the 2020-21 school year may submit alternative applications for open enrollment on or after July 1. 

Residency, Tuition and Tuition Waivers

For information on Residency, Tuition and Tuition Waivers, visit http://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment/funding/tuition-waivers.

Notice to East Troy residents who move out of the district this school year
Current East Troy residents who move out of the district during this current school year and have completed a tuition waiver must also complete an Open Enrollment application if they wish to have their child continue to attend East Troy for the following school year.