Open Enrollment is the process by which a parent or guardian residing in one Iowa school district may enroll their child(ren) into another Iowa school district under the terms and conditions of Iowa Code 282.18 and Iowa Administrative Code 281-17 as amended by Senate File 2435, Division VIII. On July 1, 2024, Senate File 2435, Division VIII reinstates open enrollment deadlines for all applicants.
Completed applications may be submitted electronically to OpenEnrollment@crschools.us.
Open Enrollment Deadlines
| Deadline | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Applications to Approved Online Schools | The deadline does not apply to parents/guardians applying for their student to attend a public school district with an approved online school by the Iowa Department of Education. |
| September 1 | Last day a parent/guardian may apply to open enroll their incoming preschool student who receives special education services requiring specially designed instruction (SDI). |
| September 1 | Last day a parent/guardian may apply to open enroll their incoming kindergarten student. |
| September 2 | After this date, open enrollment applications for incoming preschool students requiring SDI and kindergarten students will be denied unless the parent/guardian is able to demonstrate “good cause” under Iowa Code 282.18. |
| March 1 | Application deadline for students in grades 1-12 to open enroll for the upcoming school year. |
| March 2 | After this date, open enrollment applications for students grades 1-12 will be denied unless the parent or guardian is able to demonstrate good cause. |
| *If a parent/guardian moves and wishes for their student to continue at their original resident district under open enrollment (often known as the “continuation rule”), requests cannot be denied due to insufficient classroom space policies. |
Transportation Guidelines
Parents/Guardians of students approved for open enrollment are responsible for transporting their students to and from school. The state code allows parents to request transportation assistance. Specific Income guidelines must be met to qualify for this assistance, separate from those for the free/reduced lunch program. Documentation of the family’s income must be submitted each year the assistance is requested and updated any time the income changes by more than $50 per month. Click here for the Iowa Department of Education guidelines for the 2025-2026 school year.
Guidance on Athletic Eligibility
Unless an exception applies, the General Transfer Rule (281—IAC 36.15(3)) prohibits a student-athlete from participating in varsity athletics for 90 school days (not including summer school) after transferring from one Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) or Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) member or associate member school or school district to another.
If your open enrollment application is approved, you must also complete the CRCSD registration process.
Canceling Open Enrollment
Per the Code of Iowa, a family may cancel their open enrollment status at any time. To do so please contact both the receiving and resident school districts.