Enrollment Option Program
**NEW REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTRICTS**
Beginning with the 2023/24 school year, all school districts will be required to track and report the reason any Enrollment Option application was denied. Information to be collected will be:
- Number of applications denied
- Explanation of denial
- If applicant stated there was an IEP or student has been diagnosed with a disability as defined in section 79-1118.01, applicant was provided specific reason for denial
The Department of Education will collect the above information at the end of the 2023/24 school year and compile a final report to be submitted to the Legislature by September 1 each year.
Additionally, districts are now required to establish, publish and report the maximum capacity for a program, class or school by October 15th for the next school year.
For more information, refer to the Changes to Enrollment Option Process memo sent to Public School Superintendents on 08/14/2023
General Information
Sections 79-232 through 79-246 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes define the Enrollment Option Program and its limits.
- The statutes and other provisions regarding the Enrollment Option Program can be found in Rule 19
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Mileage Reimbursement Rates (for Enrollment Option transportation)
Application & Instructions
The Application for Student Transfer – Nebraska Enrollment Option Program is no longer a school year-specific form; therefore, the correct school year will need to be identified. The application & instructions dated May 2023 are the current documents.
Below is a link to download the “Application for Student Transfer – Nebraska Enrollment Option Program ” [NDE 25-010] and “Information for Completing the Enrollment Option Application Form.”
To locate the district name and district number of the option or resident school district, click on the following link: http://educdirsrc.education.ne.gov/.
- Next, click on “Quick Lists” button. On the next page (Quick Lists of Directory Information), scroll down to “PUBLIC DISTRICT AND SCHOOL INFORMATION.”
- Next, click on the “sorted by county/district number” link to access the list of public school districts. The district name and district number are referred to as “agency ID.”
When Section 1 has been completed, sign in the appropriate space and deliver or mail to the Option School District.
Click here for the Application and Instructions (May 2023)
Note:
- Only use the current documents with the May 2022 revision date.
- The application is not a school year-specific form; therefore, the correct school year will need to be identified at the top of the application.
- Open Enrollment Option Students do not require an application be completed unless they complete the grades offered at their current building of attendance. See FAQs for further information.
Important Filing Information
September 1
- Earliest date for submitting applications for the next school year.
March 15
- Deadline for filing applications with the Option District without requiring Resident District approval in addition to the Option District’s approval.
- School boards may, by Board of Education policy, set deadlines later than March 15. When applications are submitted after the March 15 deadline, both school districts may, upon mutual agreement, waive deadlines.
April 1
- Final date for option district to respond to application.
The authorized official must indicate the date the application was accepted or rejected in Section 3 of the Application for Student Transfer.
Documents in Spanish are available upon request.
Program Contacts:
- Michelle Cartwright: (402) 450-0867 or michelle.cartwright@nebraska.gov
- Kevin Lyons: (402) 450-1418 or kevin.lyons@nebraska.gov
Appeal Decisions