Schools of Choice Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for Schools of Choice at Haslett Public Schools?
Students residing in districts within Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Jackson, Livingston, Shiawassee, and Washtenaw Intermediate School Districts are eligible for Schools of Choice at Haslett Public Schools. While most students are eligible, state law allows districts to deny enrollment to students suspended within the past two years or expelled from any school. Students must be able to attend regularly and on time.
Will the district provide my child with transportation if enrolled through Schools of Choice?
No, Haslett Public Schools does not provide transportation for Schools of Choice students. Families are responsible for ensuring their children can attend school regularly and on time.
What if my child receives special education services and we live within Ingham ISD?
Students receiving special education services who reside within the Ingham Intermediate School District can enroll through Schools of Choice just like general education students. If accepted, Haslett Public Schools will develop and implement an individualized education plan (IEP) for your child to ensure appropriate services and support are provided. The same application process, deadlines, and selection criteria apply to all students within Ingham ISD.
What if my child receives special education services and we live outside Ingham ISD?
Enrollment requires a written agreement between Haslett Public Schools and the resident district for students receiving special education services who live outside the Ingham Intermediate School District boundaries (Section 105c students). This agreement must specify responsibility for special education costs and must be in place before enrollment can be finalized. Please contact our office for more detailed information about this process.
How does elementary school placement work?
Haslett has three elementary schools: Wilkshire Early Childhood Center (Grades K-1), Murphy Elementary (Grades 2-5), and Ralya Elementary (Grades 2-5). While parents can indicate building preferences between Ralya and Murphy, assignments are based primarily on available space. We try to keep siblings together, but final placement decisions are based on grade-level capacity, and building preferences cannot be guaranteed.
How and when can I apply?
Applications are only available during the published application period and can be accessed on the district website or picked up at the administrative office. The application requires the student's name, grade level, home address, current district of residence, disclosure of any suspension or expulsion history, elementary building preference (if applicable), and parent/guardian contact information.
How are students selected for enrollment?
A random lottery is conducted for each grade level if applications exceed available spots. Siblings of current Schools of Choice students receive priority, and the remaining spots are allocated through random selection. Unselected applications are placed on a waiting list that remains active through the first week of school. Families will be notified in June regarding acceptance status, building assignment (for elementary students), waiting list status if applicable, and next steps for enrollment.
Once accepted, how long can my child attend Haslett Public Schools?
Once accepted, enrollment continues through graduation with no need to reapply annually, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment. If a student leaves the district, they must reapply for future enrollment. While siblings are not guaranteed enrollment, they receive preference over new applicants but must apply during the regular application period and are subject to space availability in their grade level.
What are the transportation and attendance expectations?
Parents are responsible for all transportation. Students must arrive on time for the start of school and be picked up promptly at dismissal. Students must also attend regularly and follow district attendance policies.
Are there any fees for Schools of Choice students?
No. Schools of Choice enrollment is free – no tuition or enrollment fee. Standard school fees for all Haslett students (such as field trip costs or extracurricular activity fees) will apply to Schools of Choice students like they apply to resident students.
What happens if we move during the school year?
If your family moves during the school year but remains within the eligible counties (Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Jackson, Livingston, Shiawassee, or Washtenaw), your child may continue attending Haslett Public Schools for the remainder of the academic year. To secure a spot for the following year, you will need to reapply through Schools of Choice, subject to seat availability. If your family moves outside the eligible counties, continuation for the remainder of the academic year may be considered. Please discuss this with an administrator. However, Schools of Choice enrollment will not be available to your child in future years.
Who should I contact with questions about Schools of Choice?
For additional questions about the Schools of Choice program, please contact Cammie Silvestri at 517-339-8242 or silvescm@haslett.k12.mi.us.
Legal Reference
Haslett Public Schools participates in the Michigan Schools of Choice program under Sections 105 and 105c of the State School Aid Act (MCL 388.1705 and 388.1705c). For more information, please visit the Michigan Department of Education’s website.