Minnesota Open Enrollment

Minnesota’s inter-district open enrollment policy (also called Statewide enrollment options) allows families to enroll their child in a traditional public school outside their home district. This is one of Minnesota’s most-used school choice options, with approximately 10% of students participating.

Program Type: Free public school inter-district transfer

Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. No tuition charged to families.

Who Can Use It: Any Minnesota family can apply to enroll their child in a public school outside their home district

How It Works:

1. Families submit applications to the non-resident district by mid-January for the following fall
2. Districts cannot deny enrollment based on academic achievement, abilities, or disabilities
3. Once enrolled in a non-resident district, the student receives transportation within that district
4. State funding follows the student to the receiving district

Application Process:

• Application Form: Statewide Enrollment Options Application (standardized across all districts)
• Deadline: Mid-January for enrollment in following fall
• Availability: Most districts accept applications; some popular districts may have limited openings
• Selection: If demand exceeds capacity, districts use lottery systems for selection

Transportation:

• To receiving district: Families are responsible for transportation to the non-resident district’s boundaries
• Within receiving district: Once enrolled, student receives free transportation within that district (same as resident students)
• This means families must arrange transport TO the district, but once there, student can use district buses

Important Protections:

• Cannot deny based on: Academic achievement, abilities, disabilities, race, religion, or athletic ability
• Open to all: Districts must consider all applications fairly
• Mandatory program – districts cannot opt out of accepting open enrollment applications

Key Considerations:

• Popular districts may fill quickly – apply as soon as window opens
• Mid-January deadline is strict – late applications may not be accepted
• Transportation to district boundaries is family’s responsibility (can be significant barrier)
• Once enrolled, student can typically remain through graduation

Current Participation: Approximately 10% of Minnesota students use open enrollment to attend schools outside their home district

Where to Learn More: Contact your non-resident school district’s enrollment office, or access the statewide application through the Minnesota Department of Education

Minnesota Department of Education – Open Enrollment →