10% of Ann Arbor Students Enroll Through School of Choice Program
The Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) has reported that approximately 10.9% of its students this fall have enrolled through the School of Choice program. As the number of departing students decreases, more new entrants seem to be coming from outside the immediate area.
Overview of the School of Choice Program
The School of Choice initiative allows families who reside outside the AAPS boundaries to enroll their children in the district. This policy has been in place since 2012, following the Michigan School Aid Act. Applications are accepted for a limited number of seats for students from Washtenaw, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
Enrollment Statistics
- Total School of Choice students in AAPS this fall: 1,815
- Newly enrolled through School of Choice: 414 (22.8% of School of Choice students)
- New arrivals in grades 1-12 making up roughly half of total new students
- Funding from School of Choice contributing over $20 million to AAPS budget
- Overall new student arrivals down from 1,028 in 2023 to 862 this year
According to Dan Berger, AAPS’s director of research and assessment, the ratio of School of Choice students has remained stable over recent years, fluctuating between 300 and 500 new enrollees annually. Significantly, about five times more students are coming from within Washtenaw County compared to those from outside the county.
The Value of School Choice
Critics have voiced concerns that the program primarily serves to benefit AAPS financially. However, Dawn Linden, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, emphasized that the program is aimed at equity and staffing stability rather than just increasing enrollment numbers. “Families with fewer resources traditionally have limited school choices,” she stated.
Application Process for New Students
The application windows for the 2026-27 School of Choice program will be open during three separate periods: April 14 to May 16, June 2 to July 1, and July 23 to August 6. Schools with available seats will be specified, and if applications exceed the number of spaces, a lottery system will be used.
Once enrolled, students can stay in AAPS until graduation, ensuring continuity in their education. Limited options for mid-district transfers opened on November 18, aiming to provide flexibility to families.
Impact of Local Enrollment Trends
There has been a noticeable drop in student departures from AAPS, with 868 leaving this fall compared to 1,093 in 2022. Most students transferring are either moving to other public or private schools within the area or relocating entirely. The trend does highlight a specific increase in students coming from Ypsilanti Public Schools, which now represents a significant portion of new arrivals.
As the School Board engages in discussions about these shifts, balancing the needs of AAPS with its impact on neighboring districts remains a priority. The implications of the School of Choice program continue to be a topic of interest among board members and the community.
