Q. When is my application due?
A. All applications for open enrollment, along with all required documents, are due by December 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. This deadline applies to all grades and schools.

Q. Who do I contact if I have any questions?
A. Contact the Engagement Center at 330.761.2810. You may also come into the Engagement Center to fill out your application online.
 
Q. What if my student doesn’t get in to their first choice school?
A. All students must select a first-choice school. If your student is not accepted into that school, we will review their second-choice selection. For high school students, if the second choice is also unavailable, we will then consider their third choice. Please note: if your student is placed in a higher-ranked school, we will not consider any lower-ranked choices. 

Q. What is considered a specialty school/ program?
A. Specialty schools and programs include Akron Early College High School, Akron School for the Arts at Firestone CLC, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Firestone CLC, Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts, NIHF STEM Middle School, and NIHF STEM High School. 

Q. What documents are required for open enrollment?
A.  If your child does not currently attend Akron Public Schools, or if your child is a current APS student and your information has changed, you must upload the following documents:

• Student’s proof of birth
• Student’s immunization record
• Parent/guardian photo ID
• Two proofs of residency for the parent/guardian. Proof of residency must be “official” mail that includes the parent/guardian’s name, address, and a current date.

First proof of residency (choose one):

• Utility bill (within 60 days)
• Lease or rental agreement
• Home sales agreement

Second proof of residency (choose one):

• Bank statement
• Personal bill
• Postal change of address
• Current pay stub
• Local, state, or federal document

Please note: junk mail will not be accepted.

• Custody papers, if applicable
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Evaluation Team Report (ETR), if applicable

If your child is a current Akron Public Schools student, you only need to upload the parent/guardian photo ID, unless your household information has changed, in which case the additional documents above are also required.
 
Q. What happens if we do not have all the required documents by the deadline?
A. If all required documents are not submitted by the deadline, your application will not be processed, and your student will not be considered for open enrollment.

Q. My student is already open enrolled to the school I want. Do I need to re-apply? 
A. No, students will continue within that school and cluster.
 
Q. If I open enroll my student, will bussing be available?  
A. Open enrolled students will not receive transportation, except students attending NIHF STEM Middle School.
 
Q. I have a student in the APS Early Learning Program (preschool) and I am having problems submitting my application. What do I need to do to get it to submit?
A. If your student attends the Early Learning Program, please make sure to click “No” when asked if your student attends an APS school.
 
Q. I have two children, can I put them on the same application?
A. No. Each student needs a separate application.
 
Q. When will we know if my student is accepted?
A. The notification date for specialty schools is Jan.15, 2026. All traditional high, middle and elementary schools will receive notification via email by the end of February.
 
Q. How will we be notified?                                                                                                                                                                                  A. All communications will be sent through email. Please make sure to check your spam filter and junk mailbox as well.
 
Q. If I have a child already enrolled into the building, do I have to apply for open enrollment to get a sibling there?
A. Yes, you need to complete an application for all individual children. We cannot guarantee that we can get the sibling to the school you are requesting. However, siblings are given priority in placement (excluding specialty schools).
 
Q. How do we let you know our top school choice?
A. School Choice Selection

• Elementary and Middle School students may choose up to 2 different schools.
• High School students may choose up to 3 different schools.

When selecting schools, please list them in order of preference:

• 1st choice = the school your student wants the most
• 2nd choice = your next preferred option
• 3rd choice (high school only) = your final option