Open Enrollment: A Win for Missouri Families and Schools

Every child learns differently—and every family wants to find the best fit for their student. That’s why more and more Missouri families are talking about open enrollment.

Open enrollment means parents can apply to send their child to a public school outside of their home district. Right now, most students are assigned to a school based on where they live. But what if another school nearby had programs, teachers, or a school culture that worked better for your child?

Here’s why families are excited about open enrollment:

It gives families flexibility. Some parents work in a different town or need help from a grandparent who lives across the city. Open enrollment allows families to choose a school that fits their daily life, making things easier for everyone.

It supports diverse learning needs. Not every school offers the same programs. Open enrollment helps students access schools with special classes—like STEM, the arts, or foreign languages—that match their interests or learning style.

It expands educational opportunities for students. Open enrollment opens doors. It lets students find the right academic fit, with better access to things like advanced courses, clubs, or sports programs they may not have at their current school.

But it’s not just families who benefit—schools do too.

It helps balance enrollment across districts. Some districts are growing quickly while others have empty seats. Open enrollment can help schools fill classrooms without needing to close buildings or cut programs.

It encourages healthy competition that drives improvement. When families have choices, schools work harder to stand out. That can mean better teaching, new programs, and stronger school communities.

Recent polling shows strong support from Missouri voters. In a 2024 survey by Saint Louis University, 59% of voters supported open enrollment—and that number was even higher among young voters.

At CEAM, we believe families deserve the chance to choose the best path for their children. Open enrollment helps make that possible—while giving schools new ways to grow and succeed.

CEAM Advocates are pushing for smart, student-focused policies like this one. Missouri’s families and schools deserve nothing less.