Lee County school open enrollment begins

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Open enrollment for students in Lee County began on Tuesday. This is specifically for students who are new to the district, are entering kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade or have moved.

It gives parents the opportunity to request what school their child will go to. School district leaders encourage parents to attend open house sessions and learn what school best fits your child’s needs.

Parents line up outside the doors each year for enrollment; however, the decision is not based on when you register, as long as you meet the March 27 deadline.

The district tells WINK News about 20,000 students are eligible for enrollment as of today. That includes any student entering kindergarten, sixth, or ninth grade.

Children who will be 5-years-old on or before September 1st of the upcoming school year should apply for kindergarten.

Parents need to register their child even if they have an older child already in school. There are no automatic assignments.

There are three locations where you can sign up in person, but that’s only necessary if your child is new to the district, you moved to a new zone, or are going into kindergarten. The officers are in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.

Each location is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Currently enrolled students can complete the application process online with the pin they have been provided, but families without a pin will need to visit one of these student assignment offices.

Student assignment utilizes a lottery system. A family who registers the first day of Open Enrollment has the same chance of getting a school as that of a family who registers the last day – it is unnecessary for families to stand in long lines when Open Enrollment starts. In fact, families are encouraged to continue to attend open houses and tour schools before completing their final school choice rankings.

In addition, if families received a pre-printed application, they are strongly encouraged to apply online via the District’s Web site (http://studentassignment.leeschools.net). This option is not available to new students to the District or students currently attending a charter school.

The District has also unveiled a new “Find My School” tool for parents this year. Parents are encouraged to visit http://lcsd1.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Solutions/s2.html?appid=bbd56395859340d5ad8170ff5cc7661a to map their address and find schools that are available in their subzone.

Parents and students may also visit schools during open house. Parents may visit the District’s Web site (http://www.leeschools.net/calendar/districtwide.asp) or call the school to find out the open house date and time.

For more information, visit http://www.lee.k12.fl.us/info/14-15/Registration/