| Policy Code | 320 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | May 12, 2014 |
| Amendment Date | January 16, 2017, April 14, 2024 |
| Cross Reference | Policy 520 |
| Legal Reference | Education Act, Section 10 |
The Board of Education will establish attendance boundaries for each school in the division to allow for efficient utilization of school facilities and resources and to facilitate effective program planning.
DEFINITIONS
Designated School - the school a student would attend based on the attendance area designated by the student's home address.
Alternate School - the school a student attends as result of an approved transfer whether directed by the school jurisdiction or requested by the parent.
Alternate School Application - the appropriate jurisdiction form completed by a parent or independent student requesting to attend an alternate school, which is subsequently approved or not approved, signed and dated by the assistant superintendent support services or designate.
GUIDELINES
As provided for in the Education Act, the Board shall designate schools that will accommodate students residing within defined geographic areas of the division and/or students requiring specialized instructional programs.
The Board will ensure that school designations remain current and are communicated to parents and the public within the division.
The Board recognized its obligation to accept as an enrolled student a student residing within the division but outside of a defined attendance area if sufficient resources and facilities are available.
Whether or not a student will be transported to a school other than the designated school is outlined in Transportation Policy 520.
Process for requesting authorization to enrol in a school other than the designated school.
5.1 Parents or guardians who wish to enrol their child in a school other than the designated school may obtain a form from the Grasslands office for this purpose.
5.2 The form must be returned to the Grasslands office prior to June 1st of the year preceding the school year.
5.3 Requests, along with enrolment information about students who have moved into, or out of, each attendance area, will be considered together, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
5.4 Prior to June 30th, parents will be notified about whether the request has been approved.
5.5 Parents wishing to have their child attend an alternate school during the current school year will proceed through a case conference/meeting involving, at a minimum, the parent(s)/guardian, student (if applicable), school administration, and assistant superintendent support services or designate.
5.6 Students new to a school will be provided with an orientation by the principal.
Alternate school students must reapply annually through the alternate school application process.
If overcrowding is experienced in a classroom/grade/school in the current or subsequent school years, alternate-school-attending students may be required to return to their designated school.