Open Enrollment

Join the Cardinal Comet family with open enrollment!

Application & Documents

Open Enrollment Application Open Enrollment Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Open Enrollment

What is open enrollment?
This cost-free option allows parents/guardians residing in an Iowa district to enroll their children into another Iowa school district under the terms and conditions of Iowa Code section 282.18 and the administrative rules of the Iowa Department of Education, 281 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 17.

How does a parent/guardian file for open enrollment?
The parent/guardian must complete an application form (linked above). The completed form must be filed with both the resident and receiving district.

What determines if it is approved?
After you submit your application form for open enrollment, the resident district will approve your request to attend another district. Then the superintendent in both districts will either approve or deny the open enrollment request. The request is then sent to the school board for final approval. The district that you are requesting to attend will then approve or deny based on the availability of spaces or programs that are available.

Who is responsible for school transportation for an open enrolled student?
The parent or guardian is responsible for transporting the student to and from the receiving district unless the family qualifies for transportation assistance. View the Enrollment Handbook linked above for more information.

Cardinal CSD

What is a four-day school week?

In 2022, Cardinal CSD transitioned to a four-day school week to improve school culture, reduce absences for students and staff, boost student and teacher morale, and provide teachers more time for planning and collaboration to prepare and support our students and their learning.

4-Day School Week Details