Open enrollment is the program by which a parent can select to attend a school or
district other than the one in which they are currently assigned based on their
residence. Each year, we receive many inquiries about the process for
open enrollments, both within and outside of the district.
The following information is something you might want to use in newsletters to
parents to inform them of how the process works, and the deadline for
submitting applications for open enrollment. Additional information can be obtained from Eleanor Shirley at 242.7707 or Eleanor.shirley@dmps.k12.ia.us
Enrolling in a school other than a “home” school (assignment based on residency), also called “Within District” open enrollment:
Open enrollment within the DMPS district is granted based on the following factors:
Space availability
On a first-come-first served basis (the order in which the applications are
received)
In accordance with the district’s diversity plan, which was approved by the State
of Iowa Department of Education
The student’s status as one in “good standing”, i.e., good attendance, behavior and
academic progress. The open enrollment may be revoked if a student fails to
maintain good standing.
Open enrollment approval is for that particular student. Each sibling would
need to make their own application. Every effort is taken to prevent
separating siblings due to open enrollment but automatic approval is not
guaranteed because a sibling is participating in open enrollment.
The deadline for applying for any open enrollment is March 1, 2012. All late applications will be denied unless one of the state defined good cause reasons listed on the application is marked and occurs after the initial deadline.
Enrolling in a school district other than DMPS or into DMPS from another school district:
Between districts open enrollment is granted in accordance to the district’s diversity
plan which seeks to maintain the current balance of minority and non-minority
students in the district’s enrollment. A minority student is defined as students eligible for free and reduced lunch.
Each application is randomly assigned a number and approved in that order until the
maximum as determined by the diversity plan is reached. Between districts
open enrollment is only granted to a specific district and not to a certain
building. Students may be reassigned to another building if deemed
necessary by the district.
Open enrollment approval is for that particular student. Each sibling would
need to make their own application. Every effort is taken to prevent
separating siblings due to open enrollment but automatic approval is not
guaranteed because a sibling is participating in open enrollment.
The deadline for applying for any open enrollment is March 1, 2012. All late applications will be denied unless one of the state defined good cause reasons as listed on the application began or occurred after the initial deadline.