RSD School Application Process Begins for 2010-11 School Year
1/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
The Common Application is designed to streamline the student application process in a landscape of unprecedented public school choice in New Orleans.
Common Application process designed to simplify school applications
From now through April 9, 2010, more than 70 public schools throughout New Orleans are accepting the Common Application, a simple form that parents can use to apply to any Recovery School District (RSD) direct-run or charter school for the 2010-2011 school year.
The Common Application process offers centralized locations for parents to pick up and return applications and a unified timeline for the application submissions, school lotteries, parent notification and registration. Applications are available at participating schools; the RSD Central Office, 1641 Poland Ave.; and the RSD Welcome School, 2239 Poydras Street. The RSD Central Office and Welcome School are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The application also is available online at www.rsdla.net and www.nolaparentsguide.org.
Introduced in 2008, the Common Application process is designed streamline the student application process in a landscape of unprecedented public school in New Orleans. “Parents have the freedom to choose from more than 40 different elementary schools and more than 20 different high schools,” said RSD Superintendent Paul Vallas. “We hope parents will become actively engaged in this process, learn about their school options and take advantage of this open application period in order to have the best opportunity to secure a spot in the schools that will be the best fit for their children.”
The application is a one-page form that asks for basic demographic and geographic information about the student and the name of the school in which he or she is applying. Parents and guardians may apply to more than one school, but must complete an application for each. While multiple applications are encouraged, parents may only enroll their child in one school.
The deadline for returning completed application forms is April 9, 2010. Applications may be returned to the schools where applying, the RSD Central Office or Welcome School. The applications may also be faxed to 504-827-4728. Parents should retain the carbon sheet that is attached to the application form for their records. If faxed, the fax receipt should be retained. Schools that have more applicants than available spots will conduct lotteries by April 30 to fill those seats. Schools will notify parents and guardians of acceptance into schools by May 7. Parents must go to the school with the necessary documents to officially register their children by May 21 to reserve a seat at the school of their choice.
To help parents decide which schools are the best fits for their children, the New Orleans Parent Organizing Network will publish an updated edition of the New Orleans Parents’ Guide to Public Schools, which has information on each of New Orleans’ public schools. For more information about the Parents’ Guide or to download an electronic version, visit www.nolaparentsguide.org or call 504-274-3668.
In addition, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans is sponsoring Schools Expo 2010 on Saturday, March 27, 2009. The location of the Expo is being finalized.
For more information about the Common Application, call the RSD’s toll free help line at (877) 343-4773. The helpline is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Click here to visit the Common Application information page
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