MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced Jan. 25 the online application period for the Public School Open Enrollment program for the 2021-22 school year opens next week.

Beginning Feb. 1 and running through April 30, parents and guardians can apply to send their children to any public school district in Wisconsin during the 2021-22 school year through the open enrollment program. Application materials and additional information on the program are available on the DPI’s website.

During the 2019-20 school year, 65,266 students transferred school districts through the open enrollment program. Program statistics for the 2020-21 school year will be available in the fall. Districts are required to notify applicants by June 11 on the status of their open enrollment application. Transportation to and from a nonresident school, in most circumstances, is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. However, some school districts may provide partial transportation. 

To assist in submitting open enrollment applications, a directory of public school districts is available on the DPI’s website. Additional information from an open enrollment consultant is available toll-free by calling 888-245-2732, or emailing openenrollment@dpi.wi.gov.