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Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment is the process by which parents/guardians residing in an Iowa district may enroll their children into another Iowa school district under the terms and conditions of Iowa Code section 282.18 and 281–Iowa Administrative Code 17.

 

Open Enrollment Paperwork

Parents/ Guardians considering the use of the Open Enrollment option to enroll their child(ren) in another public school district in the state of Iowa should complete this application.

 

Application Information & Deadlines 

Parents/ Guardians considering the use of the Open Enrollment option to enroll their child(ren) in another public school district in the state of Iowa should be aware of the following dates:

 

  • March 1 is the deadline for regular Open Enrollment requests for the following school year for students entering grades 1-12. 
  • The open enrollment deadline for students in kindergarten is September 1. 
  • Preschool students do not qualify for open enrollment. 
  • If the student meets the definition of good cause under 281-Iowa Administrative Code 17.4(1) because of a change in residence or is a kindergarten student, the application can be accepted after March 1.
  • Visit the Iowa Department of Education website for more information on deadlines. 
 

Harlan Community may deny an open enrollment request if one of the following applies:

  • The application violates the district’s insufficient classroom space policy
  • The district does not have the appropriate special education program
  • The student has been expelled or suspended
 

Important Notes 

  • If a parent/guardian moves and wishes for their student to continue at Harlan Community under open enrollment, the request should be submitted as soon as the child moves to another resident district in Iowa.
  • A pupil who transfers school districts under open enrollment in grades 9 through 12 shall not be eligible to participate in interscholastic contests and competitions during the first 90 school days of transfer.
  • Open enrollment requests do not need to be renewed annually as long as the receiving district remains the same, open enrollment to that district continues until the student graduates, drops out of school, or until the parent or guardian notifies the district that they desire to terminate the open enrollment. (Iowa Administrative Code 281 - 281 - 17.7 (1)). 
  • Download the Iowa Department of Education's Open Enrollment Handbook for more information about the process and a list of frequently asked questions (page 18) 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Open Enrollment?
 

Open Enrollment is the process that allows parents or guardians who reside in one Iowa school district to enroll their child in another Iowa public school district. This process is governed by Iowa Code section 282.18 and Iowa Administrative Code 281–17.

 

Who is eligible for Open Enrollment?
 

  • Students entering grades 1–12 may apply for open enrollment.

  • Kindergarten students may apply with a different deadline.

  • Preschool students are not eligible for open enrollment.

 
What are the deadlines to apply for Open Enrollment?
 

  • March 1: Deadline for regular open enrollment requests for students entering grades 1–12 for the following school year.

  • September 1: Deadline for kindergarten open enrollment requests.

  • Applications submitted after March 1 may be accepted if the student meets the definition of good cause under Iowa Administrative Code 281–17.4(1), such as a change in residence.

 
Where can I find the Open Enrollment application and official guidance?
 

Families should visit the Iowa Department of Education website for:

  • Open enrollment applications

  • Detailed timelines and deadlines

  • Official rules and guidance

You may also download the Iowa Department of Education Open Enrollment Handbook, which includes additional FAQs (see page 18).

 

Do I need to reapply for Open Enrollment every year?
 

No. Open enrollment requests do not need to be renewed annually as long as:

  • The receiving district remains the same, and

  • The parent/guardian does not notify the district that they wish to terminate the open enrollment.

Open enrollment remains in effect until the student graduates, drops out, or the request is terminated (Iowa Administrative Code 281–17.7(1)).

 

What if we move out of the district?
 

If a family moves to another Iowa school district and wishes for their student to continue attending Harlan Community under open enrollment, the request should be submitted as soon as the move occurs.

 

Are high school students eligible for athletics after open enrollment?
 

Students who transfer school districts under open enrollment in grades 9–12 are not eligible to participate in interscholastic contests or competitions for the first 90 school days after the transfer.

 

Questions regarding Open Enrollment can be directed to:

Catherine Hubbard

712-755-2152

[email protected]

For more information, please visit the Department of Education webpage on Open Enrollment.