Introduction
The Massachusetts School Choice law was enacted in 1991 to allow parents to
send their children to public schools in communities other than the community
in which they live. Lenox participates in this program. Parents do not pay any
tuition costs for this program.
How Are Students Chosen?
The law requires that the selection of students into the School Choice Program
be free from any type of discrimination. Lenox does not discriminate in the
selection process on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin,
sex, age, ancestry, athletic performance, physical handicap, special need, academic
performance or proficiency in English language. A good discipline record and
solid school citizenship are important selection considerations. If the number
of applicants exceeds the number of available seats, the selection of students
must be on a random basis. This selection process generally takes place prior
to July 1 and again prior to November 1. In Lenox, the deadlines vary within
each school (see Application Timeline).
Specific Admission Cases
· Siblings
A 1994 amendment to the school choice law states that any sibling of a student
already enrolled in the receiving district shall receive priority for admission
to that district. Once these preferences are honored, the remaining openings
must be filled through random selection.
· Children of Employees
Town and school department employees do not receive preference if they wish
to have their children attend school in the district where they work.
· Current Residents
If a resident of Lenox moves out of the district but wishes to have their child/children
remain as students in the district, they do not have any unique claim to the
seat(s) their child/children vacated. A parent has to request admission to the
program in the same manner as any other parent who does not reside in Lenox.
· Continued Enrollment
If a child has been accepted as a choice student, he or she has the right to
remain in that district until graduation from high school unless there is a
lack of funding for the program or there is a serious violation of the school
discipline policy.
· Special Needs
No applicant can be discriminated against on the basis of physical handicap
or special needs.
· Kindergarten Entry Age
A student who is too young for entry into the kindergarten in the district where
he or she resides may be accepted as a School Choice student in another district
that has a different age standard.
Application Process
The best way for parents and students to obtain important information about
the Lenox Public Schools is to call to schedule a tour, carefully read the school profile,
and read any in-house descriptions of our programs.
The following conditions must be in place in order to be eligible for admission:
1. Parent(s) or legal guardian must be a resident of Massachusetts.
2. There is space available in the program or grade level for which the student
is applying.
3. The student has demonstrated a record of good behavior and citizenship in
his/her previous school(s).
4. The application process has to be completed in full.
Application Timeline
Morris: The application deadline is May 1. Applications received after this
date will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Rolling admission decisions on applications
received between May 1 and August 15 will be mailed as soon as possible.
LMMHS: The deadline for the first round is January 31. First round admission
decisions will be mailed no later than March 12. The student must submit a signed
enrollment agreement no later than April 10 to reserve a first round selection.
The second round application deadline is April 12. Second round admission decisions
will be mailed no later than July 15. A signed enrollment agreement must be
received no later than July 25. Applications received after April 12 will be
reviewed on a rolling basis. Normally students must begin school within 5 days
from the start of a new school year or on the first day of either the second
or third quarter marking term. It would be unusual for a student to be accepted
after the start of the second semester.
Applications for one year do not automatically carry over to the next year.
Enrollment Agreement
All non-resident students:
· Are eligible to participate in the same programs and activities as
all resident students. Eligibility for interscholastic athletic competition
will be determined by the rules of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Association.
· Must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Lenox Public Schools.
· Are responsible for their own transportation including that resulting
from participation in after school activities such as athletics, extra curricular
activities, detention or extra help.
· Who fail to demonstrate good behavior and citizenship will not be accepted
to Lenox the following year.
· Who withdraw from the Lenox Public schools for any reason must re apply
under the school choice program if they wish to return anytime in the future.
Obtaining Information and Application
If you wish to schedule a tour and/or to obtain a school choice application,
you may contact:
Morris Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Robert Vaughan, Principal
637-5570
LMMHS (Grades 6-12)
Bruce Walker, Principal
637-5560