Michigan Schools of Choice
Michigan’s “Schools of Choice” program allows students to attend a different traditional public school in their current resident district or a district where they do not live. This is a voluntary program as districts can choose whether to participate and how many students to accept.
Program Type: Inter-district and intra-district public school transfer
Official Names: Section 105 and Section 105c Schools of Choice
Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. No tuition or fees for families.
How It Works: Districts can choose to open enrollment to non-resident students. State funding follows the student to the receiving district.
Two Types of Schools of Choice:
Section 105 – Same County/ISD Transfer:
- Allows transfer to a district within the same Intermediate School District (ISD/County)
- More common and easier to arrange
- Many districts participate
Section 105c – Neighboring County/ISD Transfer:
- Allows transfer to a district in a contiguous (bordering) ISD/County
- Requires special agreement for Special Education services
- Less common than Section 105
Application Process:
- Contact the district you wish to attend to confirm they participate in Schools of Choice
- Ask about available seats and application windows
- Submit application during the published window (typically April-August)
- If accepted, student enrolls in the receiving school/district
Application Timeline:
- Primary Application Window: Usually April-August for the upcoming fall semester
- Second Semester Window: Some districts open a limited window for second semester (December/January), but this is less common
- CRITICAL: Once the published application window closes, districts generally cannot accept non-resident students for that term
- Strict windows – Applications are time-sensitive
Do I Have to Re-Apply Every Year?
Generally, NO. Once a student is accepted and enrolled under Schools of Choice, they are typically allowed to remain in that school/district until graduation without re-applying, provided they maintain continuous enrollment.
Transportation:
- Generally NOT provided
- Parents are typically responsible for getting their child to the school or to a designated bus stop within the receiving district’s borders
- Transportation can be a significant barrier for families without reliable transportation or those living far from the receiving district
Special Education Considerations:
- Section 105 transfers within same ISD: Special education services continue under existing ISD structure
- Section 105c transfers to neighboring ISD: Requires written agreement on special education funding between sending and receiving districts
- Families with special needs students should confirm special education arrangements before transferring
Voluntary Program: Districts are NOT required to participate. Each district votes annually on whether to accept Schools of Choice students and how many seats to offer. Available seats vary annually.
How to Apply: Contact your desired receiving district directly. Each district manages its own application process, windows, and seat availability.