Frequently Asked Questions
I
don't live in the East Lansing School District. How can I enroll my child in the East Lansing School District?
State law governs the Schools of Choice process. School districts have the option of participating in Schools of Choice on an annual basis. Districts may advertise available slots and accept applications only at specific times. East Lansing Public Schools has been a participating district in the Schools of Choice process since its inception. The Board of Education usually makes the decision about the district's participation in Schools of Choice in April or May. At that time the number of slots and grade levels will be identified and published.
When is the application period?
The application period is for a 15-day period (typically in June) for Fall enrollment. The application period will be announced each year after the Board of Education makes the decision regarding the district's participation.
Where may I obtain an application?
Applications will be available only during the application period. During the application period, applications will be made available on our website (www.elps.k12.mi.us), by calling 333-7425 or may be picked up at our administrative offices at 841 Timberlane, Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823.
If my child is accepted will I need to reapply each year?
Once a child is accepted under the Schools of Choice provisions their enrollment is through graduation as long as enrollment is continuous. If a student withdraws and enrolls in another district they will forfeit their slot and must reapply during the next application period.
Are siblings guaranteed enrollment in future years?
Siblings are not guaranteed enrollment in future years, however, they are given preference for available advertised slots over any other new applicants providing the district participates in the Schools of Choice process in the year of application.
How are applicants chosen to enroll in East Lansing Public Schools?
The application asks very basic information (name, grade, address, district of residence, whether there have been suspensions or expulsions). For grade levels where the number of applications received is less than the number of advertised slots, all applicants will be accepted (except as provided by law regarding suspensions or expulsions). For grade levels that more applications are received than advertised slots, the law requires that districts accept students on a lottery basis (except as provided by law regarding suspensions or expulsions). Siblings of current Schools of Choice students receive preference to available slots over new applicants.
When will I know if my
child has been accepted to attend East Lansing Public Schools?
Parents will be notified by the first week in July following the application
period.
Are there any fees?
There are no fees or tuition for enrollment under the Schools of Choice provisions.
Who provides transportation?
Transportation to and from our district will be the responsibility of the parent. Children must arrive in time to begin instructional activities at the start of the school day and must be picked up or have arranged childcare once the school day has ended.
How do I know if I live within the Schools of Choice boundaries?
School districts within Ingham County are within the Schools of Choice boundaries for East Lansing Public Schools as well as districts located in intermediate school districts that are contiguous to Ingham Intermediate School District (Clinton, Eaton, Jackson, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw).
Can I choose an elementary school for my child?
The Schools of Choice application allows parents to indicate their building preference. During the placement process, we strive to place students in one of their first choices. We also try our best to keep families together at the same school when placements are made, but there are times when this is not possible due to enrollment at some grade levels. East Lansing Public Schools has four elementary schools that serve kindergarten through fourth grade students. They are Donley Elementary, Marble Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary and Red Cedar Elementary. Glencairn Elementary and Whitehills Elementary serve students in fifth and sixth grades.
