2012-2013 Grades K-8 Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment provides parents or legal guardians with the opportunity to enroll their children in an elementary or middle school outside their school attendance district when, in their opinion, such a move would best meet the needs of the individual child.
2. Is Open Enrollment available to students in grades K-8?
Yes. Open enrollment is available at the elementary and middle school levels.
3. Is approval granted to all Open Enrollment requests?
Unfortunately, we cannot approve all Open Enrollment requests. Approval is granted only when space is available in the respective grade level in the school being requested. If all Open Enrollment requests were approved, there could be an imbalance in class sizes to the extent that some classes substantially exceed the School Committee’s K-5 class size guideline of 22:1; and the middle school class size guideline of 25:1.
4. At the elementary (K-5) levels, if I apply for Open Enrollment to a school, am I applying for enrollment only in that school, or in the K-5 district?
An Open Enrollment request is made to a specific school, not a school district. Therefore, a child open enrolling from the Robinson School to the Nabnasset School would not automatically enter Grade 3 at the Abbot School. In this case, an application would have to be made at the end of Grade 2 to Open Enroll the child from the Crisafulli School (the child’s attendance district by reason of residence), to the Abbot School.
5. I am currently living in Westford. If I purchase another home in Westford that is in a different school district, can my child remain in the school which he/she has been attending?
The Superintendent may approve an Open Enrollment request, which would allow the child to remain in the school that he/she has been attending since the beginning of the school year.
6. Can all classes in a school accept Open Enrolled students?
No. Only those classes with fewer than 22 pupils at the elementary level, and classes with fewer than 25 at the middle school level, will be eligible to receive Open Enrollment transfers.
7. Are Open Enrollment applications considered in the order in which they are received?
Yes. Open Enrollment applications are considered in the order is which they are distributed. Each application is numbered. Essentially, consideration of an Open Enrollment request is on a "first come" basis.
8. How do I apply for Open Enrollment?
Application for out of district enrollment must be made in person at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 23 Depot Street, Westford, MA.. Applications will be given out to parents or legal guardians in the order of their arrival. The Open Enrollment period for the 2012-2013 school year is May 1 - June 29, 2012. Applications may be received and filled out between 8:30 AM- 12:00 noon and from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. No request will be considered after June 29th. No applications for Open Enrollment will be mailed.
9. If my child is Open Enrolled to another school, do I need to submit an application each year for him/her to remain in that school?
No. A child who has been Open Enrolled to another school will remain in that school, unless the parent or legal guardian formally requests a return to the child’s school district, by reason of residence.
10. If I wish to discontinue Open Enrollment of my child at a school, what do I need to do?
If you wish to discontinue your child’s Open Enrollment at a school you must notify the Superintendent of Schools, in writing, between May 1st and the end of the school year.
11. When will I be notified of either acceptance or denial of my Open Enrollment application?
Notification of acceptance or denial cannot be made until the second week in August. This coincides with the school registration period for new students. We must first analyze our K-8 class sizes based on new registrants, and then make a determination as to our ability to approve Open Enrollment requests.
12. How does Open Enrollment affect special needs students?
Students who are served by Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) who seek Open Enrollment must receive Team Evaluation Approval prior to a transfer being approved. It must be understood that this transfer approval shall not result in the receiving school’s obligation to provide additional staff and/or services to accommodate the Open Enrollment student.
13. Is transportation available for students who are Open Enrolled?
No. Generally, bus routes do not cross over district lines. Transportation of a child who is Open Enrolled is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Parents must be willing to make this commitment for the duration of the Open Enrollment status.
14. Who do I call with specific questions about Open Enrollment?
You may call Everett Olsen, Superintendent of Schools 978-692-5560 x2103 or email Mr. Olsen.
Put in the subject of your email "Open Enrollment Question". If you have general questions regarding the process you may call Sandy Krenitsky at 978-692-5560 x2100.
We wish to thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the Open Enrollment process.
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