every child, every option
Turning Education Barriers into Possibilities
39 Million+
Children in American Have Limited or No Access to Public School Choice
78%
of Parents in the United States Support Open Enrollment
95%
of Missouri Public School Students Attend the School They Were Assigned, Even if Another Public School is Closer.
Open Enrollment, Opening Doors to Better Public Schools
Your Child Could Thrive in a Public School That’s the Right Fit
Open enrollment is a public school choice policy that allows students to attend a public school outside of the one they are assigned based on where they live. Instead of being limited by ZIP code, families can seek out public schools that better match their child’s academic needs, learning style, or support services.
What Senate Bill 971 Unlocks for Your Child
Missouri lawmakers have introduced legislation to expand open enrollment statewide beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
01.
Statewide eligibility
Students from any Missouri district could apply to attend another public school district, removing current restrictions tied to accreditation status.
02.
no tuition or fees
Families would not pay tuition. Funding follows the student to the school they attend.
03.
transparent reporting
School districts would report available seats by grade level and building. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would publish this information online so families can clearly see where openings exist.
04.
transportation
Transportation would be provided to at least one school or charter outside of a student’s home district.
05.
fair admission process
Districts may not deny students based on race, income, disability status, academic performance, discipline history.
06.
easy application
Parents would submit transfer requests through a statewide process managed in coordination with DESE. If demand exceeds available seats, assignments would be handled through a fair system.
Short on time? Start here.
Get the key facts about Missouri open enrollment in one clear, easy-to-read page and see what it means for your family.
Make Your Voice Heard
parent power that creates impact
For the sixth consecutive year, open enrollment is being debated at the state capital. Your testimony could be the difference in making 2026 the session that creates better opportunities for students across Missouri.
Find Your Local Legislator
One call can make all the difference.
Speaking with lawmakers can influence decisions, hold politicians accountable, and create urgency.
Read the Full Bill
Want to know every detail about SB 971?
Find out exactly what’s being proposed at the capital.
Turn Frustration into Action
Whether you need assistance knowing how to speak with lawmakers or transforming your experiences into testimony, Activate MO is here to guide you through the process.
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Common Misconceptions
Missouri’s open enrollment policy is often misunderstood. We’re here to explain how open enrollment expands public school access and puts student needs first.
Fact: Open enrollment has strong bipartisan support among parents. Surveys consistently show that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all support giving families more flexibility.
Fact: Other states show that transfers increase gradually over time, not all at once. Students usually move for specific reasons like academic fit. Gradual change gives schools a chance to respond and improve rather than collapse.
Fact: Strong open enrollment can actually make schools more responsive to families’ needs. Schools that want to attract and keep students are encouraged to improve programs and communication.
Fact: In most models, the state funding a student generates moves with them to the new district. This means receiving schools get enough funding to serve students, and local schools still keep funding for students who stay. This generally ensures districts aren’t left without the resources needed for students.
Fact: In states with strong open enrollment, many rural and smaller districts actually gained students because families chose them for reasons like smaller class sizes or shorter commutes. Open enrollment helps rural schools stay financially healthy rather than hurting them.
Fact: Evidence from multiple states shows students transfer for many reasons, including better academic fit, unique or special education programs, and safer environments. Families from a variety of backgrounds use open enrollment, and strong policy design can make sure it’s equitable for all.
Expanding Public School Choice Options
What is Open Enrollment Options are Currently Available?
For most families in Missouri, students are not allowed to change public schools until a district loses accreditation.
Even then, there is almost no information about the number of seats open at prospective schools, and districts can deny transfer applications without an explanation.
Why Families Need Choices
Across Missouri children in urban, suburban, and rural communities have experienced limited access to high-performing public schools due to district boundaries. A statewide open enrollment policy helps create a system that prioritizes students, transparency, and fairness.
When families have options:
Students can find the best academic fit
Schools are encouraged to improve and innovate
Communities become more responsive to parent needs
