Online Applications Open Feb. 4 for Wisconsin Public School Enrollment

Parents and guardians can apply to send their children to any public school in the state through the Wisconsin Public School Open Enrollment Program. The online-application period for the 2019-20 school year opens Feb. 4 and runs through April 30. Applications will be available on the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) website.

Traditionally, children in Wisconsin are assigned to attend school in public-school districts based on the location of their parents’ home. Open enrollment is a tuition-free opportunity for parents or guardians to apply to no more than three school districts they wish their children to attend by using the online application.

Application deadlines are firm, though a more restrictive alternative application procedure does exist. Districts will notify parents by June 7 whether their applications have been approved. Resident districts cannot deny any student’s open enrollment application for cost reasons.
Transportation to and from a nonresident school is typically the responsibility of the parent or guardian, but some school districts may provide partial transportation. Reimbursement of a portion of transportation costs is available for families whose children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals based on federal income guidelines.

To find out more, visit dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment, call 888.245.2732 or email [email protected].