Find out if your state has an open enrollment policy. Some, like Arizona, allow students to attend any public school in the state. Others, such as Kentucky, restrict open enrollment to students in low-performing districts. Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia have no open enrollment policies.
Contact the office of the district for the school you wish your child to attend. Inquire about open enrollment dates. Most school districts allow open enrollment during a limited time period. Plan early. You may need to submit your application in January so your child can attend the school of your choice in the fall.
Obtain an application. If the school district office does not have an open enrollment application, you can get one from your state's Department of Education. In most areas, the application will be available online. Some districts require online registration.
Fill out the application. You may need to give reasons that the target district would be better for your child than the district where you live.
Submit your application to the target school district office.