Enrollment Process

Updated December 15, 2009

Sunday, January 24, 2-4, Open House

Tuesday, February 16, 7-8:30 p.m., Parent Orientation
Saturday, March 13, 10-11:30 a.m., Parent Orientation
Sunday, March 21, 1-2:30 p.m., Parent Orientation

Ann Arbor Open School enrolls children in grades K-8 who reside in the Ann Arbor School District. Incoming Kindergarteners are chosen by random selection. Incoming students at all other levels are placed on a waiting list on a first come, first served basis, and siblings of current students receive preference for enrollment.

To be eligible for enrollment in the Ann Arbor Open School, you must complete one or two visits to the school. Beginning in November, 2009, visits may take place either before or after enrollment is offered, but before the student enrolls.

There are two ways to fulfill this visit requirement:

Option 1: Two visits

One visit is approximately 45 minutes during the school day. You will be placed in a classroom to observe. The teacher may ask you to help in some way. Please note that you must sign in at the office and receive a visitor name tag. This is for verification that you have completed this portion of the requirement.
The other visit is an orientation session. These last an hour and a half and are held in the Spring. Ann Arbor Open parents facilitate small group discussions designed to answer your questions and introduce you to the Open School way of life.

Option 2: Staff-Led Tour

Tour the school during the school day with the Principal or another member of the staff. These tours are available throughout the year on alternate Fridays, and more frequently in February and March. Tours last an hour to 90 minutes, and include a thorough orientation to the Open Program.

These visits are made without your child, and may be made in any order. For those families who have an older child, a visit by the student during the school day may be arranged after enrollment is offered.

We usually begin offering space for the following year in late March, beginning with the Kindergarten. Enrollment continues throughout the summer as spaces become available. Once a space is offered, families usually have a week in which to visit the school (if they have not already) and make their decision.

Families interested in learning more about Ann Arbor Open should plan to attend an Open House. These sessions give prospective families an opportunity to see the school and have their questions answered. Attendance at an Open House is not a requirement for enrollment at Ann Arbor Open, but may help families decide if our school is right for them. Open House for elementary and middle school students and their families is held the last Sunday in Jan uary. Dates for Open Houses are announced on the Ann Arbor Open webpage as they are scheduled.

We hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any additional questions or needs, please feel free to call our office at (734) 994-1910. We look forward to meeting you!