RPS extends Open Enrollment deadline

Richmond Public Schools pushes back Open Enrollment dates for those looking to send their kids to an out-of-zone school.

February 13, 2014; 7:01 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Update #1 — February 13, 2014; 7:28 AM

Due to the crazy weather, Richmond Public Schools is extending the application deadlines for Open Enrollment and specialty programs.

Parents have until 4:30 PM on Friday, February 21st to submit applications for Open Enrollment. RPS will hold three informational sessions for parents interested in learning more about Open Enrollment on Wednesday, February 19th:

The Preschool Center at Maymont (1211 S. Allen Avenue) at 8:45 AM
J. B. Fisher Elementary School (3701 Garden Road) at 12:00 PM
Linwood Holton Elementary School (1600 W. Laburnum Avenue) at 5:00 PM

February 21st is also the deadline to apply to Franklin Military Academy, Open High School, and the International Baccalaureate Programme at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Open Enrollment applications are available online, at all schools, and at the Office of Pupil Personnel Services, located on the 13th floor of City Hall (301 N. 9th Street). For specialty programs, visit the websites of the individual schools (linked above) to view and fill out an application.

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Original — January 20, 2014

As the beginning of the second semester approaches, schools are gearing up to start planning for the 2014–2015 school year. For Richmond Public Schools, a big part of that is Open Enrollment.

If you’re not familiar with Open Enrollment, here’s the deal:

Each residential address in the City of Richmond sits within the zone of a designated school. Open Enrollment gives parents of Richmond City students the option of choosing up to two “out-of-zone” schools. The students are then placed in a lottery for each grade level at each chosen school. Students who do not acquire a slot at their chosen schools will then be placed on a waiting list.

The Open Enrollment period for the 2014–2015 school year is February 3rd through February 14th at 4:30 PM. If you’re interested in your child attending an out-of-zone school next year, you must complete and submit an application within that time window. Applications are available online, at all schools, and at the Office of Pupil Personnel Services, located on the 13th floor of City Hall (301 N. 9th Street).

Once a child acquires a spot at an out-of-zone school, he or she may continue attending that school for subsequent grades (along with other siblings in the household), as long as the parents complete an Intent to Return form. Intent to Return forms for the 2014–2015 year must be completed and submitted by January 31st. As with the Open Enrollment forms, Intent to Return forms are available online, at all schools, and at the Office of Pupil Personnel Services

The lotteries for middle and high schools will take place throughout the day on Monday, March 3rd in the auditorium at Thomas Jefferson High School (4100 W. Grace Street). The location of the elementary school lotteries isn’t listed yet, but they are scheduled for Monday, March 10th.

For more information–including answers to FAQs, links to forms, and a breakdown of the lottery schedule–visit the Richmond Public Schools website.