* Open Enrollment: Some districts or states have open enrollment programs that allow students to attend schools outside their assigned district, but this is often subject to space availability and may involve a lottery system or other selection process.
* Interdistrict Transfer: Some districts allow interdistrict transfers for specific reasons, such as the child's special needs or a family's unique circumstances. These transfers are typically not guaranteed and require approval from both the sending and receiving districts.
* Private Schools: Parents can choose to send their child to a private elementary school, regardless of their district of residence. This is a matter of parental choice and financial capability.
* Charter Schools: Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated. They may have their own enrollment processes and may or may not accept students from outside their immediate area. They frequently have waiting lists.
In short, while there are exceptions, the default answer is that a child must attend the public elementary school within their residential district unless a specific exception applies. Parents interested in exploring options outside their district should contact their local school districts and/or state department of education for information on their specific policies and procedures.