School Choice & Placements

Applications for the 14-15 Main Round of the New Orleans Public School Enrollment Process will be available the week of November 4, 2013.

Where can I get an application packet, and where do I drop off completed applications?

You will be able to pick up and drop off a Main Round application at any participating school or at one of the RSD / OPSB’s Parent and Family Resource Centers. You’ll also be able to apply online by visiting www.enrollnola.org.

To find the Family Resource Center closest to you, click here.

Can I use this application to apply to all public schools in New Orleans?

You can use the application to apply to all schools participating in the New Orleans Public School Enrollment Process. To see the full list of schools that are participating, click here.

Do I have to submit an application if I want my child to stay enrolled at his / her current school?

No. If you would like your child to remain at his / her current school next year, you do not need to submit an application during the Public School Enrollment Process. If you decide not to participate, your child will automatically be placed back at his / her current school.

Who decides what school my child is assigned to?

The RSD and OPSB use sophisticated student assignment technology to assign students to schools. School assignments are based on priority structures that ensure that students are placed in a fair and transparent manner, taking into consideration not only student preference, but factors such as geographic location and siblings.

What will happen if my child isn’t matched to a school that I list on the application?

If your child is enrolled in a non-transition grade and can return to his / her current school next year (a third grader attending a school that serves grades kindergarten through eight, for example), your child will be reassigned to his / her current school. If you would like to try again, you can choose to participate in Round 2 or 3 and submit a new application with new school rankings.

If your child is in a transition grade and cannot return to his / her current school (an eighth grader transitioning to high school, for example), we will ask you to participate in Round 2 or 3 by submitting a new application with new school rankings.

How many schools can I list on my child’s application?

You can list up to 8 schools on your child’s application. You should only list schools that you would like for your child to attend, as your child may be assigned to any of the schools listed.

How many schools should I list on my child’s application?

If you are submitting an application for a child that is currently enrolled in public school, you should only list the schools that you would prefer more than his / her current school. If we are unable to assign your child to a listed school, your child will remain at his / her current school.

If you are submitting an application for an entering pre-kindergarten or kindergarten student, or a student transitioning out of an elementary or middle school, we encourage you to list 8 school options. That way, you are very likely to receive a school assignment to a school of your choice. If we are unable to assign your child to a school of your choice at the end of the Main Round, we will ask you to participate in Round 2 by submitting a new application with new school choices listed.

Are schools still keeping waitlists?

No. Schools participating in this process will no longer maintain waitlists for grades kindergarten through twelve.

For pre-kindergarten programs for four year-olds only (PK-4), the RSD / OPSB will maintain a waitlist. This is because there are not enough pre-kindergarten seats to satisfy the number of families seeking to enroll their four year-olds.

What do I do if I am not pleased with my child’s Main Round school assignment?

If you are not pleased with your child’s school assignment following the Main Round of the enrollment process, you may participate in Round 2 by submitting a new application. Please know that not all schools will have available seats in Round 2. If you are not matched to a school listed on your Round 2 application, your child will keep the Main Round school assignment they received. There will also be a Round 3, which will take place in the summer, for families new to New Orleans or families who would like a new school assignment.

Why wouldn’t my child get placed in one of my top choices?

The enrollment process honors family choice first and foremost, and strives to place all students at one of their top-choice schools. However, some schools are so popular that they will not be able to accommodate all students who request a placement. In those instances, placement will be determined by lottery. Some applicants, like siblings of current students, may receive priority in the lottery.

What percentage of applicants receives a placement at their first choice school?

The percentage of applicants receiving their first-choice school will vary from school year to school year. Last year, approximately 75% of applicants received an assignment to one of their top-three choice schools.

Will there be any opportunities to find out more about participating schools?

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans’ annual School Expo is a great way to find out more about your school choices. Representatives from schools, the RSD and OPSB districts, and the Urban League are on hand to assist families with their questions. This year the Expo will take place in February of 2014. In addition, the New Orleans Parents’ Guide and LA School Finder include information about all participating schools.

How can I find out if the schools that I am interested in my child attending are holding open house events?

You can always contact a school directly to inquire about open houses and events. We will also seek to make events and open house dates available here.

What should I do if I do not receive my placement notification?

If you do not receive your placement notification letter during the week of April 7, 2014 you can call or visit any of the RSD and OPSB Parent and Family Resource Centers to inquire about your child’s placement. For Family Resource Center locations and hours, please click here. The Center hotline is 877-343-4773.

Filling Out & Submitting Your OneApp

You can submit your child’s application in one of two ways:

1. Submit your application online: www.enrollnola.org, or
2. Submit your paper application at a participating school or at a RSD or OPSB Parent and Family Resource Center. To find the Family Resource Center closest to you, please click here.

Please note that Round 2 and 3 paper applications will only be collected at Family Resource Centers, not at participating schools.

How can I verify that my application has been received?

When you submit an application on-line you will receive an email confirmation of the information entered on your application.

When you submit a paper application, you may request a copy of what you are submitting. If you provide an email address, you will receive an email confirmation once school / Central Office staff files your application.

What if I submitted an application already but now want to change my school choices?

If you submit your application on-line, you can go to www.enrollnola.org and log into the OneApp Parent Portal using your secure username and password. You can then make updates to your child’s application up until the application deadline. When you submit a new application, it will over-write the original application that you submitted.

If you submitted a paper application, you can fill out and submit another paper application to your child’s school or a Parent / Family Resource Center. We will consider the most recently submitted application as your child’s final application.

Is there somewhere I can seek assistance in filling out my OneApp?

Yes. The staff at the RSD and OPSB Parent and Family Resource Centers are pleased to provide families with assistance in filling out and submitting their application. For Resource Center hours and locations, please click here.

Who can legally submit an application for a student?

Applications must be submitted by a student’s legal parent/guardian. Students 18 years of age or older may submit their application on their own behalf.

Does where or when I submit my child’s application make a difference?

No. All applications will be considered at the same time regardless of drop-off location or when they are submitted, so long as it is prior to the deadline.

Do we have to reapply every year if we intend to stay at the same school?

No. If you would like your child to remain at his / her current school next year, you do not need to submit an application during this year’s Public School Enrollment Process.

What happens if I submit more than one application for my child?

If you submit more than one application for your child, RSD/OPSB will use the application that you submitted most recently. The most recently submitted application will override previously submitted applications.

What if I am also interested in schools that aren’t participating in the New Orleans Public School Enrollment Process?

If you would like to apply to a non-participating school, you should contact the school directly to learn about their application process and deadlines.

How do you define siblings, and how does this affect the placement of my children?

In the New Orleans Public School Enrollment Process, siblings are defined as children who share a parent/ guardian or share a residence. We take siblings into account in two ways:

1. An applicant will receive “sibling priority” if they are applying to a school where a sibling already attends.
2. If you are applying with multiple children, we will attempt to assign them to the same school if you list your school preferences in the same order on each application. We cannot guarantee that this will always be possible, and it may mean that your children will receive an assignment to a lower-ranked school.

Dates, Deadlines, and Timeline

All students seeking to apply to a new school, or to apply to attend a New Orleans Public School for the first time, are welcome to apply during the Main Round Early Window.

The only students who are required to apply during the Early Window are those students applying to schools with admissions testing requirements.

• Some of the schools participating in OneApp this year have academic entrance requirements. If you would like to apply to one of these schools, you must list it on your child’s OneApp and submit your application by December 20.
• All Main Round applications will be processed at the same time, meaning there is no advantage given to students who apply during the Early Window.
• There are no Intent to Return applications this school year. If you wish for your child to return to his / her current school, no action is required on your part.

What is the timeline for the application cycles?

Applications for the Main Round: Early Window* of the New Orleans Public School Enrollment Process will be available the week of November 4, 2013. Early Window applications will be due December 20, 2013.The Main Round: Standard Window applications will be available the week of January 13, 2014. The Standard Window applications will be due February 28, 2014. All Main Round notifications will be mailed the week of April 7, 2014.

Please check back here for more information about later timelines.

Geographic Area/Residency

If you are applying for your child to enter grades pre-kindergarten through eight, you receive priority to schools in your geographic area. To find out which geographic area you live in, and which schools are located in that geographic area, visit this website: GCR Data.Please note that this priority does not guarantee that your child will be assigned to a school in your neighborhood.

I don’t yet live in Orleans Parish, can I still apply?

You may submit an application if you do not yet reside in Orleans Parish, but intend to live in the Parish by the beginning of the upcoming academic school year (14-15). Proof of residency in Orleans Parish will be required for you to complete the registration process for your child.

Services: Special Needs/Disabilities, English-language Learners

No, we do not need this information in order to assign your child to a public school of your choice via this process. If you are applying for a Scholarship to a non-public school, though, you will be required to submit your child’s 504/IEP information.

How do I know if a school can accommodate my child’s needs?

We encourage parents to visit the schools to which they would like to apply to find out more about their programs, services, and accessibility.

Are application materials available in Spanish and Vietnamese?

Yes. Application materials will be available in Vietnamese and Spanish. If you need assistance in another language, please contact a Family Resource Center at 877-343-4773.

Transportation

The New Orleans Parents’ Guide to Public Schools contains information on every school’s transportation policy. Please contact the schools to which you are interested in applying to determine if their bus schedules and routes suit your family’s needs. Please also keep in mind that there are strict policies in place regarding the age of students who utilize school buses.

Retention, Grade Levels, and Graduation

Students in 4^th and 8^th grade will still have to pass the LEAP or receive a waiver in order to advance to the next grade level. Students who have to repeat 4^th or 8^th grade may return to their current school, if that is what parents choose.

If a family finds out that their child has to repeat a grade after they have already received an offer to change schools:– The student can change schools, if there are available seats in the correct grade level.– If there are not available seats in the correct grade level, RSD/OPSB staff will work with families to find the best school for the child.

Is there an age requirement to attend Pre-K or Kindergarten for the first time?

Yes. In order to be eligible to attend a PK4 program, your child must be 4-years-old by September 30, 2014.

In order to be eligible to attend Kindergarten, your child must be 5-years-old by September 30, 2014.

How will I know if my high school student’s credits will transfer to their new school?

If your student is currently on a 7- or 8-period school schedule and you decide to apply to a high school on a block schedule, or vice versa, this may impact the way that your student earns credits. You should consult with your student’s school counselor and the counselor at your intended school to ensure your student remains on a solid path to graduate on time.

If my twelfth grade student does not graduate this year, will they automatically return to their current school next year?

Yes. If you did not fill out a OneApp because your child is a high school senior who you anticipated would graduate, he or she will automatically retain a seat at their current high school. We recommend that you meet with your child’s guidance counselor to ensure that he / she is on track to graduate.

Disciplinary and Special Cases

Assistance is available to students who qualify under the Federal McKinney/Vento Act. If you are homeless, living in temporary or transitional housing, or are an unaccompanied youth, please let our staff know so we can help you through the enrollment process. If you are affiliated with an agency or case worker, please feel free to have them contact us on your behalf.

My child was expelled. Can I participate in the OneApp enrollment process?

If your child has been assigned to Crescent Leadership Academy as a result of an expulsion, he / she must remain enrolled there for the duration of his / her expulsion term. If your child’s expulsion term ends at the end of the current school year, you can submit an application for them and receive a placement to a new school next year.

Louisiana Scholarship Program

Starting during the 2014-15 application period, eligible families will be able to use the OneApp to apply for a scholarship to attend participating non-public schools. To find out more about the Scholarship Program and to check your eligibility, contact the Louisiana Department of Education:

http://www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/louisiana-scholarship-program.

Participating non-public schools are listed at www.enrollnola.org.

What is the Louisiana Scholarship Program? 

The Louisiana Scholarship Program seeks to empower all families with the financial resources to send their child to the school of their choice, whether a public or non-public institution. Over 125 non-public schools currently participate in the program statewide.

To be eligible for a scholarship, students must have a family income of less than 250% of the federal poverty line and must be entering kindergarten or must already be enrolled in a low-performing school with a C, D, F, or T grade. See the Main Round: Standard Window application to check your eligibility!

In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship you must meet the following requirements:

• Your child must be a resident of Louisiana.
• Your child must be entering a grade between K-12.
• Your child must have attended a C, D, F, or T school for the 13-14 school year, or be attending kindergarten for the first time.
• Your income must be below the figure listed for your household size in Section A, page 6 of the Main Round: Standard Window application.

Current scholarship students are also eligible to apply. Current scholarship students do not need to submit eligibility documentation.

How do I verify my income?

In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship, families must submit proof of income to any Family Resource Center or participating non-public school listed on their application. The following documents are accepted for income verification:

• Federal Tax Return
• Unemployment compensation statement for the period ending 12/31/13
• Alimony as shown in court decree or agreement
• W-2s from all employers for the period ending 12/31/13
• Pension statements for the period ending 12/31/13
• Social Security benefits statement for the period ending 12/31/13
• SNAP Benefits
• Louisiana Purchase Card

How do I verify my residency?

In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship, families must submit proof of Louisiana residency to any Family Resource Center or participating non-public school listed on their application. The following documents are accepted for residency verification:

• Rental lease agreement or mortgage
• Electricity/Gas Bill
• Telephone Bill
• Cable/Internet Service Bill
• Sewage/Water Bill
• Current Official Letter from a Government Agency (DSS, DHH)
• Homestead Exemption Notice
• Property Tax Notice

What else do I need to know about eligibility?

Eligible students entering grades 1-12 must have attended a school with a grade of C, D, F, or T during both the October 1, 2013 and February 1, 2014 public school count dates. Students who did not attend such a school on those count dates will not be eligible for a scholarship. The LDOE verifies the school of attendance for all applicants. Current scholarship students are also eligible to apply.

Because final eligibility will be determined after the application window has closed, we strongly recommend that families select a combination of public and non-public schools on the student application form.

How do I apply for a non-public school outside of Orleans Parish?  

Families interested in attending a non-public school outside of Orleans Parish should visit the Louisiana Department of Education at http://www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/louisiana-scholarship-program to find out how to apply. Please note that you may only use this application packet to apply for non-public schools located in Orleans Parish.

How does the LDOE Scholarship Program serve students with disabilities?

The Louisiana Department of Education does not consider a student’s disability when assigning students to schools. Some non-public schools may offer additional educational services for students with disabilities, but all schools must enroll all students awarded scholarships, regardless of disability. Please reference the school information in the application packet for more information about special education services offered at participating non-public schools.

Please Note: Not all non-public schools offer special education services. Please contact the school(s) of your choice before listing them on your child’s application to ensure they are able to meet your child’s needs.