One Application, Many Schools
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent or guardian. The good news is that New Orleans offers many choices in charter and traditional public schools – each of them offering a free, quality educational experience for your child.
You can use the Common Application to apply to for acceptance at most of the city’s public schools. With this easy to use form, you can apply to a different school than the one your child currently attends, apply to a school for a child entering school for the first time, or to apply to multiple schools.
Be sure to complete the form entirely. Bring completed applications to any participating school, or to the Recovery School District’s Welcome School, 2239 Poydras Street. You may also fax the form to (504) 308-3607. If you fax the form, retain a copy for your records.
Remember, this is an application form, not a registration form.
Downloads and Resources
2010-2011 Common Application (English)
2010-2011 Common Application (Spanish)
NOLA Parents Guide to Public Schools
Key Dates for 2010-2011 Application
April 9, 2010 – Deadline to apply to participating schools
You may apply to as many schools as you like, but you must submit a separate application form for each school.
Tip: Be sure to keep a copy of each application.
April 30, 2010 – Lotteries complete
By this date, all schools must complete lotteries for grades in which they have more applications than available seats.
May 7, 2010 – Acceptance notifications complete
You should know by this date which schools have accepted your child. Schools may begin notifying you as early as April 30.
Tip: Make sure schools have the best contact information for you. Contact schools that you have not heard from to find out whether your child has been accepted.
May 21, 2010 – Choose a school and enroll
You can only in enroll your child in one school. If your child was accepted at more than one school, you should choose the one you prefer and let the other schools know that your child will not be enrolling.
Tip: At this point, you should be prepared to provide the school with proof of residence and your child’s documents (such as birth certificate and shot records).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Common Application & Enrollment Process?
The Common Application and Enrollment Process is a process through which parents/guardians may apply to multiple public schools in New Orleans including all schools that are part of Recovery School District. All Recovery School District directly operated and charter schools must use the uniform common application form and follow the same application and enrollment timeline.
My child is already enrolled in a school; do I have to apply to schools?
No. If your child will be in a grade level served by her/his current school and you are satisfied with your child’s school, your child has the right to return at her/his current school. However, if you would like to explore other school options, this process will allow you to choose a different school for your child.
When are applications due?
Applications are due for participating schools on April 9, 2010.
Where do I get an application?
Beginning in January, applications are available at participating schools, the RSD Welcome School (2239 Poydras Street), and the RSD central office (1641 Poland Avenue). The application also is available online at www.rsdla.net or www.nolaparentsguide.org.
Where can I turn in an application?
You can bring completed applications to the schools where you wish to apply. You can also bring completed applications to the RSD’s Welcome School (2239 Poydras Street) or to the RSD Central office (1641Poland Avenue)
Note: Printed applications include a carbon copy. Be sure to keep a copy of each application you turn in for your records
Does filling out an application mean my child will be accepted at the school I’m interested in?
No. There are several steps to enroll your child in school and applying is only the first step. Some schools will receive more applications for admission than there are spaces available. When this happens, RSD-operated and RSD charter schools will hold lotteries in order to randomly determine which students will be offered a space at the school. All lotteries will be held by April 30, 2010 and schools will notify parents of acceptance by May 7, 2010. Once you are notified which schools have a space available for your child you will have until May 21, 2010 to let schools know where you wish to enroll your child.
How many schools may I apply to for my child?
You may apply to as many participating schools as you like, but you must submit a separate form for each school, and separate forms for each child.
My child is taking the LEAP this year. What if she doesn’t pass?
If your child doesn’t pass the 4th or 8th grade LEAP exam, there still will be a place for your child at his or her current school.
What if my child is not accepted into any school where I apply?
If none of the schools where you submit an application has a space for your child, you should contact the Recovery School District for assistance finding a school for your child. You should also continue contacting individual schools to ask if they have space in your child’s grade level.
If you are a resident of New Orleans, your child is guaranteed a place in a public school in the city.
Where can I find more information about the public schools available in New Orleans?
You can get a copy of the New Orleans Parents’ Guide to Public Schools at most public libraries or at schools or online at www.nolaparentsguide.org. You can also find information about schools on the Save Our Schools New Orleans website at www.sosnola.org.
What if I don’t hear back from the schools that I applied to?
Schools should contact every parent/guardian who submitted an application to notify them if their student(s) are accepted or if they have a position on the school’s waiting/preference list by May 7, 2010. School may begin contacting applicants as early as April 30. If you have not heard from the schools where you applied by May 7, 2010, you should contact the schools and ask “What is the status of my child’s application?”
Have other questions about the process?
You can contact the Recovery School District’s toll-free hotline by calling 1-877-343-4773. The hotline is open Mondays through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.