Open Enrollment: Empowering Missouri Families

Missouri’s outdated school assignment rules make it very difficult for families to choose the best public school for their children. The Hirshey family’s story is just one example.

When Dawson was seven years old, he suffered a life-changing injury at a baseball game. His recovery required brain surgery and extensive care. Now, as he and his twin sister Delaney grow older, they want to attend a larger school with more opportunities and resources to support Dawson’s ongoing needs. But Missouri’s rigid school boundary laws make that choice nearly impossible—unless their family moves or breaks the law.

Missouri should adopt strong universal open enrollment polices. Open enrollment policies allow families to choose their public school either within their home school district (intradistrict choice) or in a different district (interdistrict choice). By allowing students to attend any public school with available space, Missouri can empower parents with choice and ensure that no family is punished for simply wanting the best for their child.

Learn more about strong open enrollment policies here.