Superintendent Newsletter: Open Enrollment Period Is Now Open

Open enrollment is one of the most important pieces of information the district can send to families each year. Families who do not know enrollment is open cannot exercise the choice. A superintendent newsletter that communicates enrollment period, options, and process clearly ensures that access to school choice is equitably distributed rather than limited to families who already know to look for it.

State the enrollment window prominently

Lead with the dates. When does enrollment open and when does it close? What happens if a family misses the window? Give families the deadline before anything else, because it is the most time-sensitive information in the newsletter.

Describe what families can choose from

Name every school and program available for open enrollment. Neighborhood schools, magnet programs, dual language programs, specialized academies, charter partnerships if applicable. For each option, one sentence of description: what makes it distinctive and who it is designed to serve.

Explain the process step by step

How does a family apply? Online, in person, by phone? What information do they need to provide? Is there a lottery if a program is oversubscribed? When will families be notified of their placement? Is there a waitlist? Walking through the process removes the uncertainty that often prevents families from completing applications.

Note any preferences or priorities

If siblings of current students get priority in the lottery, say so. If proximity to school affects placement, note it. If there are income-based preferences for specific programs, explain them. Families who understand the selection criteria before they apply can make more realistic decisions.

Make it easy to get help

Name the district office or team that handles enrollment. Provide a phone number and email. If there are enrollment information nights or virtual sessions, list them with dates. Families who have questions about their specific situation need a clear path to answers.

Sample excerpt

"Open enrollment for the 2026-27 school year opens February 1 and closes March 15. All families in the district may apply for enrollment at a school other than their neighborhood school, or apply for placement in one of our specialized programs: the dual language Spanish-English program at Lincoln Elementary, the STEM Academy at Jefferson Middle School, or the Career Pathways program at Washington High. Applications are completed online at enrollment.ourdistrict.org. If a program receives more applications than available spots, placement will be determined by lottery. Families will be notified of their placement by April 1. Questions? Call our enrollment office at 555-0100, Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm."

Daystage delivers this enrollment announcement to every family inbox across the district, ensuring that school choice information reaches every family simultaneously and before the deadline.