Open enrollment policies provide increased education options within traditional public schooling. Open enrollment allows parents to select the best public schools for their children, regardless of where those schools are located. This means that parents can choose any public school within the District on a space-available basis.
Round Two will open January 22, 2026 at 8:00am and runs through August 3, 2026 at 4:00pm
Round Two is first come, first serve.
The first round window was open from November 3 at 8:00am to December 1 at 4:00pm. Open Enrollment applies to the following school year (beginning in August).
If a student was put on the waitlist during the first round, they will still be on the list for the second round. Schools will ONLY reach out to families through email when and if a spot becomes available. You must watch your emails as you may loose your spot if you don't reply to an offer email within the allotted time. Refer to District Policies JCA/JFB and JCA/JFB-R for more detail. District policy states that any student shall be allowed to attend any school of their choice for which they are eligible on a space available basis, subject to district policy.
If you are open enrolled at a neighborhood school or attend a DCSD-Authorized Charter School, but would like to return to the neighborhood school associated with your address for the next school year (26/27), you must file an intent to return form by January 9, 2026. If you miss this date, you must open enroll to return to your address assigned school, and enrollment is not guaranteed.
Please note: If you are currently attending your address-assigned neighborhood school, there is nothing you need to do at this time if you wish to remain.
The intent to return process does not apply if you are home schooling, attending a non-DCSD Charter School, attending an out-of-district school, or private school. Please reach out directly to your address assigned school for more information.
2025/26 Open Enrollment Dates
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First Round Open Enrollment will open on November 3rd at 8:00 am and closes on December 1st at 4:00pm.
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Parents can see offers in the EngagED Parent Portal on December 10th at 8:00am and have until December 17th at 4:00 pm, to log back in and accept any open enrollment offers.
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Intent to return forms for the next academic school year (for currently open-enrolled students) are due by January 5th, 2026.
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All new to the district students must complete OLR (Online Registration/enrollment) by 1/10).
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Second Round Open Enrollment runs from January 22, 2026 at 8:00am through August 3, 2025 at 4:00pm. If a student was put on the waitlist during the first round, they will still be on that list for the second round. Schools will ONLY reach out to families through email when and if a spot becomes available.
PLEASE SEE HELPFUL TECH TIPS SECTION BELOW FOR HELP WITH OPEN ENROLLMENT!
Please visit the District Choice Programming: Open Enrollment website for more information and FAQs.