School of Choice

Eau Claire Public Schools is accepting a limited number of applications for Non-Resident Students (School of Choice). The deadline to apply is December 16, 2022.

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Please choose either the online or printed option.

• If your child is a current Eau Claire Public Schools, School of Choice Student, you DO NOT need to reapply.
• Student acceptance is conditional until Eau Claire Public School District receives and reviews all requested documentation.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• If the number of qualified non-resident applications eligible for acceptance exceeds the number of seats available, a waiting list will be maintained.

Eau Claire Public Schools participates in the Schools of Choice (SOC) program as provided by Section 1705 of the State of Michigan School Aid Act.  The State sets guidelines which are to be followed by districts participating in the SOC program.  A portion of the guidelines are listed here.

A district may refuse to enroll a non-resident applicant if any of the following are met:

1. Is, or has been within the preceding of 2 years, suspended from school;
2. At any time has been expelled from school;
3. At any time has been convicted of a felony;
4. If the applicant requires special education services which are not offered on-site.

Other guidelines include:

1. If, by the initial deadline, more qualified applications are received than openings available, a random draw system will be utilized.
2. Any applications received after the initial deadline will be processed on a first come first served basis. 
3. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent.  The District may transport from the closest bus stop in-district if space is available on the bus.

Non-Resident Students Eligible to Apply:

1. The non-resident student must be a resident of another district within Berrien County.

Application Information:

1. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2022.  
2. Please fill out the requested information on the application (linked above).  
3. If the application is incomplete, it will not be considered received until such information is provided.  
4. Our decision(s) to grant or deny any application will be based on factors allowed under Section 105 of the State School Aid Act and not on the applicant’s race, color, national origin, religion, age (except if application age is not appropriate to the grade, program or school), sex, height, weight, marital status, mental or physical disabilities, abilities including athletic, intellectual academics, artistic talent, or any factors that would be a violation of federal law prohibiting discrimination.

Thank you for your interest in Eau Claire Public Schools.  If you need additional information or have questions, please contact our office at (269) 461-6947.  

2022-2023: 2nd Semester School of Choice Openings

• The 2022-2023 Schools of Choice application window:  November 17, 2022 – December 16, 2022 
• Eau Claire Public Schools is accepting a limited number of applications for enrollment of non-resident pupils in the following grade levels:

Grade	#open	Grade	#open	Grade	#open
Y5&K	0	4th	1	8th	0
1st	1	5th	1	9th	2
2nd	1	6th	2	10th	2
3rd	1	7th	2	11th	2
				12th	0

Please note:  The district must accept eligible applicants in the following order:

1. Students who reside in the same household as students enrolled under section 105 or 105c in the immediately preceding school year, semester or Trimester;
2. Other students are selected according to a random draw system.
3.  If the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, the district will put eligible students on a waiting list according to a random draw system.

Athletes & School of Choice: 

Important considerations for student Athletes applying for Schools of Choice:

• According to the rules of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, there are rules for athletic participation for Schools of Choice enrollees in grades 10-12. Please visit the MHSAA website directly for current information and eligibility.
• MHSS REGULATIONS SUMMARIZED 
• Current Transfer Rule Summary 
• MHSAA Summary of Sport-specific Transfer Rule

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for Schools of Choice for the 2022- 2023 school year, please begin the application process by submitting a completed 2022-2023 Non-Resident Enrollment Application below. You can choose either the online or printed option.

Where do I return completed printed applications?

Applications may be returned via one of the following methods:
Fax: (269) 461-0089
Email: soc@eauclaireps.com or
US Mail: Eau Claire Public Schools, 6190 West Main Street, Eau Claire, MI 49111.

*Upon acceptance, you will be asked to complete the enrollment process.