School Enrollment and RegistratioN

These criteria are established in accordance with Board Policy JFB: Educational Options Policy that balances the value of neighborhood schools, family choice, and impact on school demographics. Out of Neighborhood requests will only be granted if they meet one of the criteria below:

A. The first criteria is to determine if sufficient space exists at the requested grade level.
B. If there is sufficient space, then the following preferences are considered in this order:

1. Child of a staff member at the assigned school or requested school.
2. Sibling of another student already enrolled in the requested school.
3. Documented harassment and/or conflict by a student or staff related to the assigned school.
4. Child of any PPS staff.

All requests are approved for the duration of the grade span of the school provided the student and family maintain positive attendance, behavior, and academic standing.

1. Family contacts their neighborhood school and connects with the principal of their neighborhood school prior to submitting a request.
2. Request form opens on January 1.
3. For grades 1-8:
        a. The first round of requests are received through May 1st.
        b. Decisions are made for the first round of requests by May 15.
            - applications are evaluated based on the above criteria.
        c.  Decisions are communicated to families by June 1.
        d. IC systems are updated after decisions are communicated.
        e. Any requests received after May 1 will be considered on a rolling basis and approved only if space remains and one of the above criteria are met. 
4. For Kindergarten Requests:
        a. Requests are received through July 31.
        b. Decisions are made for the first round of requests by August 10. 
            - applications are evaluated based on the above criteria.
        c. Decisions are communicated to families by August 15.
        d. IC systems are updated after decisions are communicated.
        e. Any requests received after July 31 will be considered on a rolling basis and approved only if space remains and one of the above criteria are met.

Once you have received your assignment for ninth grade, it will be final for the coming school year. Transfers will not be considered until after the completion of ninth grade. Appeals will only be considered if there is space at the requested school, and if so, the following  criteria will be considered:

• Child of a staff member at the requested school
• Sibling of another student already enrolled in the requested school
• Documented issues of safety or harassment
• Child of any PPS staff member

For more information or to file an appeal, please follow the link here

Superintendent Transfer Agreements are designed to facilitate a student transfer from one school administrative unit (SAU) to another for the student’s best interest. Per Title 20-A MRSA Section 5205(6):  Two superintendents may approve the transfer of a student from one school administrative unit to another if: (1) They find that a transfer is in the student’s best interest; and (2) The student’s parent/guardian approves. The superintendents shall notify the commissioner of any transfer approved under this paragraph through the appropriate coding in the student information system.

Learn More About Out of District Request