Student participation in the Option Enrollment program will be determined according to the guidelines listed below, as well as those in NPS Policy 5006, Nebraska State Statute 79-232 to 79-246, and Nebraska Department of Education rules and regulations. The Option Enrollment Program allows a student entering kindergarten through twelfth grade to attend a different public school district other than the school district they reside in.
The NPS Board of Education sets the maximum number of Option Enrollment students that can be accepted each year at the October Board meeting. These determinations are based upon the capacity and projected enrollments of programs, classes, grade levels, and school buildings. Capacity for special education services shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. Once a program, class, grade level or school building reaches capacity, it is considered "closed" to Option Enrollment students.
An exception to the "closed" status is available to students who change to a residence outside their home district at anytime during the year, including the summer months, but are enrolled in the Norfolk Schools as a resident or option student for the immediate two (2) years preceding the date the application for Option Enrollment is made. Option Enrollment paperwork must be completed, but the option will be approved. Siblings of current option students are exempt from any capacity limits.
The option shall be available once during elementary school, once during middle school or junior high school, and once during high school for a total of three times to each student, except that the option does not count toward such limitation if such option meets or is met at the time of the option as prescribed in Section 79-234 of the Nebraska Revised Statute.
Option Enrollment forms must be signed by both the resident and option school district Superintendent and submitted to Central Office Administration Building, located at 512 Phillip Avenue.
Once accepted, Option Enrollment students are treated as resident students and are expected to follow all rules, regulations, and expectations set for resident students.
The student's building assignment, as well as classroom and grade level assignments, will be determined by the Administration.
Link to Nebraska Department of Education Enrollment Option Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Option Enrollment Application and Instructions
Norfolk Public Schools Option Enrollment Program Capacity 2026-2027
