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Open Enrollment

The Open Enrollment law lets parents/guardians in one district ask to enroll their child in another district. The request is made to the whole district, not a specific school. But, parents/guardians can ask for a specific school if they want. You can find more details at the Iowa Department of Education.

Starting July 1, 2024, state code requires open enrollment applications to be submitted to both the resident district and the receiving district by March 1 in the year of enrollment. Get more information about open enrollment on the Iowa Department of Education website

Step 1: Obtain Application

You may obtain an application in person at the Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265 or download an application.

Download 2024-26 Application

Step 2: Complete Application and Return to Districts

Complete the application. You must then return the application(s) to BOTH districts (the district in which you currently live and to the district in which you wish to enroll). For questions or to send an application to WDMCS, contact:

Katie Scheller, Board Secretary
schellerk@wdmcs.org
515-633-5025

WDMCS/Administrative Services
Attention: Katie Scheller
3550 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265

Area School District and State Contacts

  • Des Moines: 515-242-7353
  • Johnston: 515-278-0470
  • Norwalk: 515-981-0676
  • Urbandale: 515-457-5006
  • Waukee: 515-987-5161
  • Iowa Department of Education: 515-281-8582

 

Other Things to Consider

  • Moving from WDMCS - Families who move from WDMCS may apply for open enrollment to remain in WDMCS. This application must be filed within 45 days of the address change. When an open enrollment request is approved or denied, the receiving district will notify the resident district and the family within 15 days of school board action.
  • Special Education – Be sure to indicate whether or not the student is in a special education program.
  • Siblings – Approval for one child in a family does not guarantee approval for other children in the same family. Each child in a family must have an open enrollment request filed.
  • Requesting a Specific School – A specific school may be requested with the understanding the district doesn’t have to honor the request. Building assignments will be reviewed each year following registration.
  • Transportation – Parent/guardians must provide transportation. To learn if you meet economic eligibility requirements, apply with resident district for transportation assistance.
  • Change of Residence – Notify both districts if there is a change in the residence of the student during the open enrollment period.
  • Terminating Open Enrollment – notify both districts in writing.