Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Choice Window in School District 11 

•What is the CHOICE option, and who may apply?

CHOICE is an option for students to enroll in schools within D-11 other than those of their assigned attendance area.  Parents must obtain a CHOICE permit from the school they wish their children to attend. 

•When is the CHOICE option available?

This option may be exercised from November 3 to February 1 for the upcoming school year.  

•What should parents do first?

Call the school of choice to find out if it has reached its enrollment capacity.  If it has and the parent completes a CHOICE permit form, the student’s name will be put on a waiting list for placement when and if space becomes available.

•Which students have enrollment priority?

Students who reside within an attendance area have enrollment priority. 

•How are CHOICE permits approved?

Schools use the following criteria to approve permits:

·Building is under enrollment capacity.

·Sufficient staff and services are available to handle applying students.

·Student applying for a permit does not have any violations relative to safe school legislation. 

•Can students from outside District 11’s attendance boundaries apply for a CHOICE permit?

Students from outside D-11 attendance boundaries may be considered under these same guidelines and must complete the appropriate student permit form at their school of choice.  

•How about students who move into District 11 during the school year?

Within one month of moving to D-11, families have a CHOICE of determining which school their children will attend.  This allows for CHOICE outside the established November 1 to February 1 window.

•How long are CHOICE permits valid?

Approved applications for any permit are valid for attendance at that school for the applicable year only.  All permits will be reconsidered annually by the building principal for the following school year.

•Can CHOICE permits be revoked?

CHOICE permits may be revoked by the school for any of the following reasons:

·There is not enough space or teaching staff within a particular program or school.

·The school no longer offers appropriate programs or is not structured or equipped with the necessary facilities to meet special needs of the student.

·The student does not meet the established eligibility criteria for participation in the particular program (including age requirements, course prerequisites and required levels of performance).

·False information is discovered after a student has been granted a permit. 

Call 520-2035 for more information.