Open Enrollment

The inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they reside.

Peak through the Department of Public Instructions' Information for Parents brouchure for more detailed information.

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.

Parents are responsible to provide transportation to and from school in the nonresident school district. 

If transportation is required in the IEP for a child with a disability, it must be provided by the nonresident district.

February 2, 2026 - April 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Welcome Window - Parents must submit applications online or directly to the nonresident school district.

June 5, 2026

Nonresident school districts must mail notices of approval or denial. If the application is approved, the school district must notify the parents of the specific school or program to which the student is assigned. If the application is denied, parents have 30 days to file an appeal.

June 12, 2026

Resident districts must notify applicants if the application is denied. If the application is denied, parents have 30 days to file an appeal.

June 26, 2026

Parents of accepted applicants must notify the nonresident district if the student will attend the nonresident district in the 2026-27 school year. If the parent fails to make this notification, the nonresident district may refuse to allow the student to attend the district.