Enrollment Preference

Arizona law defines specific categories of students that are, or may, be eligible for enrollment preference. School districts are required to reserve capacity for and grant enrollment preference to students residing within the boundaries of the school, returning students and to the siblings of students currently enrolled at the school.[1]

School districts have local control to determine if they wish to allow enrollment preferences to the following students: [2]

• Children in foster care;

• Children who meet the definition of unaccompanied youth, per the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11434a);

• Children who attend a school that is closing;

• Children of employees of the school district;

• Students, and their siblings, who reside within the school district but are seeking enrollment in a school outside of the attendance area of the students' residence;

• Students who meet additional criteria established by the school district's open enrollment policy.

[1] A.R.S. § 15-816.01(B).

[2] A.R.S. §§ 15-816.01(C) and (D).