New Jersey Department of Education

Student Application Timeline for Parents

Enrollment in the 2025-2026 School Year

Printable Timeline for Parents (PDF)

Document Name/Process

From

Received by

Deadline

Student Notifications to Resident Districts of Intent to Participate
(Required for all applicants)

Parent/Guardian

Resident District

11/25/2024

Student Applications to Choice Districts
(Request/download application from choice district website and submit to choice district)

Parent/Guardian

Choice District

11/25/2024

Lottery Date Notification

Choice District

Parent/Guardian

12/9/2024

Lottery held
(If applicable)

Choice District

N/A

12/11/2024
thru 12/13/2024

Notice of Conditional Acceptance, Rejection, or Wait Listing

Choice District

Parent/Guardian

12/19/2024

Student's Notice of Intent to Enroll in the Choice District
(Provided by the choice district; Submit to only one choice district)

Parent/Guardian

Choice District

1/9/2025

Student's Registration with Choice District

Parent/Guardian

Choice District

Determined by Choice District

 

Late Applications

Parents must contact the choice district to inquire about whether it accepts late applications.

Some districts may accept late applications after the November 25, 2024, deadline until October 14 of the enrollment year, however, late applicants will be considered for enrollment only after those who applied before the deadline.

If any accepted choice students decide to drop their acceptance before the start of the school year, the district may replace them with students on the waitlist, including students who applied after the deadline--provided late applicants are considered after those who applied before the deadline.

Exception to Late Application Policy

When extenuating circumstances occur, the Commissioner may grant a waiver of the student application deadline, allowing a student to submit an application and be accepted to a choice program. Waivers will only be granted by a showing of "good cause" and when a student's educational conditions are such that an immediate transfer is needed. Waivers will not be granted for convenience reasons such as missing the application deadline. Typically, student enrollment must occur immediately upon approval of the waiver, however each waiver will be considered based on the specific circumstances of the student. Parents can request a waiver form by emailing the Choice program office.


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