Open Enrollment Requests
Iowa open enrollment law allows parents/guardians to enroll their student in a public school district other than their district of residence by completing an open enrollment application.
Open enrollment forms can be submitted electronically OR via hard copy to:
Terri Mohler, Administrative Assistant to the Associate Superintendents
Linn-Mar Community School District
3556 Winslow Road
Marion IA 52302
319-447-3014 / Email
Fax: 319-403-8002
Click here to download the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Open Enrollment Application
Frequently Asked Questions:
Click here to visit the Iowa Department of Education website for additional information.
How do I apply?
You may request an open enrollment application from any Iowa school district, area education agency, or the Iowa Department of Education. An application must be completed for each student and filed with the resident school district. Please note that application approval will be based, in part, on the school district’s ability to provide appropriate classroom space to students.
Does an OE application need to be filed for each individual student? Yes
Does an OE application need to be filed on an annual basis?
No. Once an application is approved, your student may continue in the receiving district until they graduate or you move from your resident district.
Can I choose which school my student will attend?
Students approved for open enrollment status will be assigned to a school in which space is available in their grade level. Every effort is made to place students in their school of choice and with their siblings.
Is there any cost involved?
The resident school district will be responsible for paying the cost of tuition on an annual basis for your student to attend school in the receiving school district.
However, all miscellaneous registration fees for participation in the educational programs (extra-curricular activities, school supplies, etc.) are the responsibility of the parents/guardians.
Can my request be denied?
Open enrollment requests can be denied if the resident district has a desegregation plan that would be adversely affected, if there is not classroom space for the student, or if the student is under suspension or expulsion from their current school district.
Will the OE district provide transportation for my student?
Parents/guardians of open enrolled students whose income falls below 160% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for transportation assistance. This may be in the form of actual transportation or in the form of a cash stipend.
Do we need to request open enrollment if we move out of the district and want our student to remain in the same school district?
Yes
Does open enrollment affect athletic eligibility?
Students in grades 10-12 who transfer school districts through open enrollment have a 90-day waiting period to participate in athletic competition, although they may practice with the team during this time.
What if we move to another district after we file for open enrollment status and we want our student to continue to attend the originally-approved district?
Simply send written notification to your new resident district, your previous resident district, and the currently-approved OE district that you wish to have the OE status/billing transferred to your new resident district.
This applies to moves within the state of Iowa, only. Out-of-state residents are not eligible for open enrollment and would need to pay tuition to continue.
Can an 11th or 12th grade student complete their education at the resident district if their family moves to another district?
Yes. See Iowa Code 257.6(d). 11th and 12th grade non-resident students who were residents of the district during the preceding school year may be enrolled in that district until they graduate. An open enrollment application is not required.