Ocean City Accepting Applications From Out-of-District Students

The local school district is accepting applications from out-of-district students interested in attending Ocean City schools for free.

For its second school year (2011-12), the school choice program will be expanded to include about 26 new students distributed throughout all grade levels. The program started this year with eight students in grades 9 and 10.

"The program is designed to increase educational opportunities for students and their families by providing students with the option of attending a public school outside their district of residence without cost to their parents," according to the state Department of Education.

Gov. Chris Christie signed the Interdistrict School Choice Program into law in September 2010.

Christie's new program gives a school district $11,500 in aid for each student it accepts in the new program. Ocean City, which faces declining enrollment from sending districts that pay tuition, sees the new program as a way to bring in new revenue and maintain programs.

For families, the program provides an opportunity to place children in a district that may be a better fit.

"It's a win for everybody," said Erik Ortolf, director of pupil services at Ocean City High School.

How to apply for the school choice program

Complete program information and an application can be found in the School Choice section of the Ocean City School District website. The first deadline for parents and guardians is a Nov. 1 due date to notify your child's current school district that you intend to apply for the school choice program. Additional dates are as follows:

Document Name

From:

Sent or Brought  to:

Deadline

First Tier – Eligible Public School Students

Notice of Intent to Participate in the School Choice Program

Parent or Guardian of Eligible Public School Students

District of Residence: Superintendent’s Office

November 1, 2011

Eligibility to Participate:  Written notification to the parent that the student is eligible to  participate in the school choice program

District of Residence: Superintendent’s Office

Parent or Guardian

November 22, 2011

Student Application to choice district, including written notification from district of residence for public school students

Parent or Guardian of public and non public  students submits application to choice district

Choice District

December 1, 2011

Lottery May be held for Eligible Public School Students if Necessary

Notice of Conditional Acceptance or Rejection of the student's application.

Choice District

Parent or Guardian

December 15, 2011, to January 4, 2012

Enrollment Form:  Student's Notice of Intent to Enroll in the choice district (for Public School Only)

Parent or Guardian

Choice District

January 14, 2012

Second Tier/Non Public: Following Lottery if Necessary

Choice district Notice of Conditional Acceptance or Rejection of the student's application

Choice District

Parent or Guardian of Non-Public School Student

January 28, 2012

Enrollment Form: 

Parent or Guardian of Non-Public School Student

Choice District

February 4, 2012

Notification of Enrollment and Transportation Request Form

Choice District

District of Residence of All Students

February 10, 2012

Final Enrollment Data: Public and Non-Public Students

Choice District

Department of Education

February 10, 2012

*In the event that the district of residence fails to provide timely notification to the student's parent or legal guardian stating whether or not the student may participate in the school choice program, the parent or legal guardian of the student may participate in the school choice program without the district of residence notification.

Frequently asked questions

Students entering the high school in ninth grade will apply for a special Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program that includes all subjects but focuses on Engineering or TV/Media Production. The following Q&A is provided by the Ocean City School District:

1. Which grade levels are open for admission to the Ocean City School District’s School Choice Program?

The Ocean City School District offers School Choice Program in grades K-11. 

Grade

Seats Open

K

1

1

1

2

1

3

1

4

1

5

1

6

1

7

1

8

1

9

15 seats for STEM Program

10

1

11

1

2. Are there any academic criteria that are necessary for admission? Are my discipline and attendance records considered as part of this admission process?

Academic criteria are needed for the Grade 9 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program. The criteria is found in the application. In all other grades (Academic Program), a student’s discipline and attendance are part of the admission criteria.

3. What is the difference between the “academic program” and the “STEM”?

The academic program is rigorous and follows the scope and sequence of the Ocean City School District curriculum. The Grade 9 STEM program is a specific prescription of required course and elective curricula. There is no academic program choice program for Grade 9, only STEM. 

4. Do I have to stipulate what STEM program I’m applying to?

Yes, there are two choices: Engineering or TV/Media Productions.

5. Do the STEM students have access to your non-science and math AP courses? 

Yes. However, all course selections outside the prescribed STEM course sequence are contingent on availability and scheduling. This stated, enrolling in additional AP courses is very common and very often accommodated.

6. How many spots do you have for each program and each grade?

School Choice enrollment varies from grade to grade and year to year based on OCSD enrollment projections.

7. How do I get transported to Ocean City School District?

Transportation is the responsibility of the parent and home public school district.

8. If you have 10 spots and receive 15 qualified applicants, how are the spots awarded?

An audited lottery will be held to determine the awarded placement.

9. Will I be able to participate in the athletic programs at the Ocean City Intermediate and High Schools?

School Choice students are afforded to opportunity to participate in all OCSD athletic and co-curricular programs. However, transportation remains the responsibility of the parent and home public school.

10. What about notification of interest to the home district? Is there anything I need to do with them?

The New Jersey timeline for School Choice requires the parent to contact and notify their home district of their intent to apply for the school choice program.  All applicable forms can be found on our website.

11. I’m currently in private/parochial school—am I eligible for this program?

Yes. However, a different timeline applies. Please see our website or visit the New Jersey Department of Education website link for School Choice.