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Indianapolis Public Schools make enrollment easier with one application

Posted at 11:44 PM, Oct 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-30 23:44:49-04

INDIANAPOLIS – To prevent long waitlists of students eager to be accepted into their IPS school of choice, a new program hopes to consolidate the process for parents.

Starting in November, families wanting to attend any of the 60 IPS choice or city charter schools will be able to apply using a single application instead of several required in the past.

IPS said they hope the new program, called Enroll Indy, will cut down on the hundreds of students placed on waiting lists. It will allow administrators to fill seats immediately and keep families off edge.

Patrick Herrell, IPS director of enrollment and options, said many times parents enroll their student in a school because they didn’t believe their child would be accepted into their first-choice school.

Kimberly Best said her son Hudson was on the waiting list for months, so she decided to enroll him in another school. She said at the last minute, her son was accepted and it was difficult to move him to another building.

“It was kind of heartbreaking,” said Best. “Just want the best for your child. Hope, wish that your kid can go to the school that seems to be a good fit."

She said she hopes the new program will help the system run smoother.

Families can rank up to 10 schools they would like to attend, but each student will receive an offer from just one.

Herrell said students and schools are matched based on a family’s needs and how many seats are available.

Families who are unhappy with their match, can reapply in a later round, in which there are three. The first round begins Nov. 15.

On Nov. 18, families can learn more about IPS’ programs at the Indiana State Museum from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

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