How can I go to a public school, even though I don't live in the area?

Question

Hello, well for starters I live in Illinois. I live in a pretty crappy town, but I live in one of the more decent parts of it. The high school there is horrible though, bad education and lots of drugs and violence. So, I have been going to a private school all of my life. Well, I am sick of it. Extremely. The hypocrisy there is just tremendous. I really want to go to a public school, but the town I live in public school is just really not appealing to me at all. But the surrounding towns (which really are not far away at all) have very excellent schools. Does anyone know how I could go to one of those schools, even though I am not from that town? Is there a way? Thanks : )

Answer 1

You usually have to apply or register there to be apart of the school--IF they allow any outside people in. Many public schools have districts, or an area that assigns a kid their school, so it may already be full. You should call the schools` offices or student services offices to see their policies on school transfers. Realize that those kids within a certain school`s district has FIRST PRIORITY to be there over somebody outside the district, like you this instance.

Hope that helped!

Answer 2

Well, speaking as a kid who has gone to alot of schools that were far away, It's really easy. My mom did something called "School of Choice" I don't know exactly what it is, but I think you have to do something with your town hall and ask for permission or something... I don't exactly know, but maybe ask your parents or look into it or google it or something ;]

Answer 3

I'm in IL, too.  Gee, your city/town sounds a lot like mine :-)

There are parents in the *city* school district that "self pay" for their children to attend our suburban district (one of top 5 in the state).  They pay around $3000 for the privelege.  That's about your only choice.

Answer 4

Your pretty much stuck, especially in Illinois. Just about every school district will require at minimum proof of residence; copy of rental lease, home sale contract, or current property tax bill. Unless you have a relative that lives in the other school district who can claim, in writing, that you live with them; you are out of luck. Sorry, but since school funding is tight in most districts they have started checking out each new student very thoroughly.

Answer 5

Here is the true and simple answer.

You need to contact the DISTRICT OFFICE of the school that you would like to attend.  They can give a request to transfer application to you.  

If you have kept up you grades and stayed out of trouble and attended school regularly, they will probably accept you.  They are not required to let you attend but might.

The alternative is to establish residency with a relative or friend in the school district that you'd like to attend.