School of Choice/Open Enrollment
All students in the Thompson School District are assigned to attend a specific school based on the geographical area of their residence. However, the Board of Education recognizes that students may benefit from having a choice of schools to attend within the district that is not limited by the boundaries of attendance. Students may be allowed to attend any school or participate in the program of their choice on a space-available, first-come, first-served- basis provided they meet the district’s guidelines, are eligible for enrollment, and follow the approval process established by the Board of Education.
How do parents/guardians participate in the school of choice/open enrollment program?
Parents/guardians wishing to have their student attend a school outside of their assigned attendance area must go through an application process. Applications are available at all Thompson schools and at the reception desk of the Thompson School District Administration Building, 800 S Taft, Loveland. The application form may also be downloaded here in both English and Spanish.
When may applications be submitted?
Middle and high schools will accept applications for school of choice/open enrollment from December 1, 2011 – January 10, 2012. Parents and students submitting an application will be notified of the status of their application by January 20, 2012. Applications for school of choice/open enrollment received after January 10, 2012 will not be considered for the 2012-13 school year.
Elementary schools will accept applications for school of choice/open enrollment from January 6, 2012 – February 27, 2012. Parents and students submitting an application will be notified of the status of their application by March 7, 2012. Applications for school of choice/open enrollment received after February 27, 2012 will not be considered for the 2012-13 school year.
See Secondary Open Enrollment Timeline for more information.
See Elementary Open Enrollment Timeline for more information.
Where do parents/guardians send the completed application?
Completed applications should be received by the office of the requested school no later than 3:00 p.m., January 10, 2012 for middle and high schools and February 27, 2012 for elementary schools. The school will stamp completed applications with the official time and date of receipt. This will establish the priority for admission and wait list position in the event all requests for enrollment cannot be accommodated. No faxed or emailed copies will be accepted.
Is the school of choice/open enrollment program available to new residents or kindergarten students?
New residents to the district and kindergarten students may apply for the school of choice/open enrollment program. Before applying to the school of choice, new residents and kindergarten students must first register at their attendance area school. The same criteria for acceptance by the school of choice/open enrollment apply to new residents as for current residents.
Who is responsible for the transportation of students to and from their choice school?
Students who are accepted to attend a school outside of their assigned attendance area are responsible for their own transportation to and from the school.
How long is the school of choice/open enrollment approval valid?
Students accepted by a school of choice will attend that school for the duration of the grades served by the school. For example, if a student attends a school of choice at the elementary level, the approval is valid through the end of grade five. After leaving the elementary or middle level, a student must apply for a school of choice at the next level. If a student does not apply, the student’s placement automatically reverts to their attendance area school.
Continuous enrollment must occur for the choice status to remain valid. If a student withdraws from the choice school, the choice status is void; the student must apply to return to his or her choice school or to a different school.
The district reserves the right to rescind and/or amend any or all choice enrollments, including reassigning choice-enrolled students to their attendance area school if it determines that there is overcrowding of facilities; the choice school discontinues a particular program or cannot continue to meet the special needs of a student; the student no longer participates in the program that caused the transfer request to be made in the first place; or for other reasons authorized by law and considered by the district to be in the best interest of the student and/or the school.
Will school of choice/open enrollment affect a student’s athletic eligibility?
Students’ athletic eligibility status is determined in accordance with the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) rules. For specific information, contact your athletic director or principal at the high school.
How does Thompson School District determine if schools are open for school of choice/open enrollment?
By December 1 of each year, the district will determine the specific schools open to school of choice/open enrollment. A list of the schools will be published on the district website and through other district publications. The decision to open a school for choice is based on space, sufficient staffing, and the adequacy of the facilities to accommodate additional students.
Do all siblings automatically attend the same school of choice?
No. A separate application must be submitted for each student and should be submitted to the requested school at the same time. When possible, however, priority will be given to sibling applications so that families may attend the same school.
How are applications for students with special needs handled?
Applications for school of choice/open enrollment for students with special needs will be approved in conjunction with the Department of Student Support Services. Applications will be approved if the requested school has adequate space, staff, facilities, and if the requested school can meet the requirements of the student’s Individualized Education Plan.
Can out-of-district students be considered for school of choice/open enrollment?
Applications for school of choice/open enrollment from out-of-district students will be considered within each application period only after the requests of in-district students have been considered. In-district students have priority over out-of-district students.
If a student applies for school of choice/open enrollment, receives approval, and changes his/her mind, what happens?
Since the requested school of choice officially becomes the home school, students have to reapply to go to another school or back to their original attendance area school.
Is there an appeal process for denial or revocation of school of choice/open enrollment?
Yes. A student and/or parent/guardian may request review of the decision. The appeal form must be sent to the deputy superintendent within 10 business days of the denial. Additional information may be requested from the student, parents/guardians, and or principals. The student and/or parents/guardians will be notified of the deputy superintendent’s decision within 10 business days after the receipt of the appeal letter.
Where can I find out more about school of choice/open enrollment?
Contact any school principal, the director of elementary education, or the director of secondary education. Board Policy JFBA/JFBB, school of choice/open enrollment provides detailed information about process and procedures for school of choice/open enrollment.
