ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) offers Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) for families seeking school placement outside their home-zoned school.
Applications are available from Feb. 3 to Feb. 21, 2025.
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The lottery notification will begin on Feb. 24, 2025, until Feb. 28, 2025, with March 24, 2025 as the start date.
The next Controlled Open Enrollment is scheduled to begin on April 28-May 15, 2025.
Families can apply online through the SJCSD COE website or pick up a paper application at the Yates Building at 47 Orange St. in St. Augustine.
Once placed, students can remain at the awarded school until they complete the highest grade level. Afterward, they must return to their home-zoned school or reapply.
SJCSD notes that students with current expulsions, suspensions, excessive behavior infractions, or poor attendance will not be considered.
Applications are selected randomly through a lottery system, prioritizing in-county residents over out-of-county applicants. If a seat is awarded, parents or guardians must accept within 10 working days via email.
Families offered seats at multiple schools must choose one. There is no appeal process for a declined application. Seats that are declined will be reassigned to the next student on the waitlist.
SJCSD notes that Florida law grants priority to certain groups, including:
- Children of active-duty military personnel relocating due to military orders
- Foster children moving to a new school zone
- Students changing schools due to a court-ordered custody change
- St. Johns County residents
Siblings may receive priority placement if applying together or if one is already attending the requested school through COE. However, priority does not guarantee placement if no seats are available.
Some important considerations according to the SJCSD include:
- Parents or guardians are responsible for transportation, though scholarships may be available to help offset costs.
- Student-Athlete Transfers: Middle school athletes must adhere to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) eligibility rules.
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE): Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may not be eligible if the requested school cannot fully support their needs.
- Voluntary Return to Home School: Students may return to their zoned school, preferably at the end of a semester.
- Placement Rescission: Placement may be rescinded if false information is provided or if attendance, behavior, or discipline issues arise.
For more details or to check seat availability, visit the SJCSD COE page.
