SCHOOL OF CHOICE FAQ
When does the school of choice window open?
For families wishing to start at the beginning of a new school year, the School of Choice (SOC) window is typically open January 2 until July 31. After this date, the district is no longer able to accept new school of choice students. There are certain exceptions that can be made; please contact Mary Miilu for further information.
How do I apply?
Print the 105/105c Non-Resident application found at www.zps.org/enrollment, complete the form and return it by mail, email or using the return details listed at the top of the form. Turning the form in elsewhere will slow the process for acceptance.
Can I choose which building I would like my student to attend? You may request a building or buildings in order of preference. No placement is guaranteed, as it is based on available space after in-district students are placed. If the building requested is not available, administration will place the student in the next closest option.
Do I need to request a building every year? No. Once your student is placed in a building, they will remain there for the duration of their elementary/secondary years. They will automatically be rolled into the appropriate building at the next level (MS/HS).
How does acceptance and placement work and what is the timing? Timing can be different for each grade level and is on-going through the SOC deadline. Kindergarten acceptance begins in late January/early February; building placement occurs in late May/early June, along with applications for grades 1-5. Middle school acceptance and placement begins in mid-May, and high school acceptance and placement begins after spring break.
Can I request a specific teacher? The SOC application is not forwarded to buildings and we ask that you do not request a specific teacher on the form. Once placed, you are welcome to contact that building to inquire about teacher placement.
Are siblings automatically accepted?
Yes, siblings are automatically accepted after the 105/105c form is received, unless the student has been suspended or expelled from their current district. Placement in the same building is also automatic, unless there is a space issue. In the event there is no space for the new student, the district will offer a building that has room for both; we will not separate siblings.
Do I need to submit a new 105/105c form every year?
No. Once a SOC form is approved, there is no need for an annual renewal, unless you move.
We are a current out of district Zeeland Public Schools family and I moved from West Ottawa to Holland, do I need a new form? Yes, release is required from your home district, and if you move to a different district, a new form is necessary.
What if I move to a new house in the same district?
If you move to a new residence within the same district listed on your SOC paperwork, you do not need to fill out a new SOC form. You simply need to contact your school building(s) to change your address in the student database.
If I move out of Zeeland school district during the school year, can my student remain at Zeeland Public Schools?
Yes. Simply fill out the 105/105c form and return it to your building or the address at the top of the form. Remember to change your address with your school building. If the move occurs outside the window, a new form will be required for the next school year as well, and is good through graduation unless there is another change of address.
One parent lives within Zeeland school district and one parent lives out of district; the student resides with the parent that lives out of district; is a 105/105c school of choice form required? No, as long as one parent lives in the district, the student is considered in-district, and that address will show as primary in the student database for state reporting purposes.
If I move into the Zeeland district, but to a boundary other than where my student attends, can s/he stay in their current building? Yes, most times it is not an issue. There is an in-district transfer form that is required, and you must let the main office in your school building know of your address change.
We live in a neighborhood that is partially West Ottawa and partially ZPS and we have a Zeeland zip code, are we still out-of-district? There are several neighborhoods in the surrounding cities that have Zeeland addresses and zip codes, but are actually out-of-district. To confirm your district, you may contact the transportation office or refer to the boundary map on the ZPS website.
Is bussing available for out of district families? It is possible for your student to ride a ZPS bus. You will need to contact the transportation department once your student is placed to inquire about a bus stop close to you and available space. If a bus has room, your student may ride as long as you transport them to/from the bus stop.