Open Enrollment in Schools, How to Do So Advise from Those Who Have

Hi B.,

I open enrolled my son out of District 191 into 196, and it was very easy. I missed the open enrollment deadline the first year & did a 1-year agreement for that year, and then open enrolled the following year. Once they're open enrolled, they're guaranteed a spot in the district until graduation. I found the forms online at the District 196 website, and when I realized that I missed the deadline, I also found the right person to contact very easily through the website (sorry, it was two years ago, so I don't remember who it was!). I would at least look at the website of each school you're considering... different schools have different priorities & personalities. You would also learn a lot from meeting the principal of the school.

Good luck! I hope you find the right school for your daughter once & for all!!

Hi B.,

I don't know if you're in district 196 or 191,but it's really easy to get a variance in your own district. My oldest attended Hidden Valley Elementary in Savage the whole time we lived in Burnsville. It's as simple as writing a letter to the principal requesting a variance and explaining that her other school was a traumatic experience for her. They're especially welcoming of good students (makes them look good for the no child left behind thing).

Best of luck to you,

N.

Hi B., I would highly recommend Dist. 196, most of their elementary schools are great. Southview Elementary in particular is a very welcoming school with lots of volunteer opportunities and I happen to know that the upcoming 2nd grade class is small. Here is a link to the districts webpage on enrollment: http://www.district196.org/District/EducationSchools/Enro...

I would be curious to know what school that was? I also live in Burnsville and I have a bi-racial child that will be going to kindergarden soon and it seems strange that all 20 kids at her bus stop were of another race. After all this is Burnsville and I have noticed a lack of diversity, which is unfortunate as the students at every facility so far we have been too have been the majority white. However, I don't condone bullying and would not want to have my daughter at such a school either.

Check out Paideia Academy in Apple Valley. It is a charter public school. My two older girls attend and the atmosphere is similar to a private school, but without the money issue. It is year round and yes, there is a uniform. The classes are small - 22 max and 44 max per GRADE! The entire school is K-8th. www.paideiaacademy.org I think that there is one slot available for second grade, but you will need to contact the school. I believe the office closes at 2pm during the summer. Email me personally if you have any other questions.

By the way, I live on the Burnsville/Savage border and drive the girls everyday. Families that attend Paideia are mostly south metro families and carpooling is encouraged.

I have used open enrollment due to a daycare situation. I don't think it is difficult at all. I am in District 196. I think you will have a more difficult time if you are trying to put her in a magnut or charter school at this time because their slots are more restricted and often fill by February.

There are a lot of good schools out there. Maybe you can make arrangements tour them when summer school is in session to get a better feel for what will fit your daughter the best.

Good Luck in your search!

We did open enrollment after pulling our children from a private school that was horrible. After hearing from many many folks about Normandale Hills elementary in Bloomington we placed them there. It is a very popular school with an excellent reputation so I don't know how hard it would be to get in now but it was easy for us because we are Bloomington residents and got first consideration. We had friends from Savage place their child there no problem. Call and ask to meet with the principal. If the drive there is too long check out greatschools.net (I think that's the web address.) It posts scores and statistics for schools and reviews by parents and staff. I can't say enough good things about our school if the drive isn't too much for you! If you want a long explanation of why our school is great, contact me and I'd be happy to elaborate.

I live in district 191 but send my kids to 196, which has fantastic schools. It wasn't difficult at all - it's a simple matter of filling out a form at ISD 196 (or whatever district you're looking for). You might have to do it twice, there is a temporary form and a permanent form and I know certain forms have particular due dates. The school district office can help you with that.

You can be denied entry if the school is too full, but I think you are asked to list 3 schools you're interested in, in order. I don't know of anyone who has not gotten one of their picks. Most of my neighborhood open enrolls to the same school, no one has had a problem.