Parents in St. Johns County looking to enroll their children for the 2024-2025 academic year can use the Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) system. Applications are available on the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) website during specific open enrollment periods, which are outlined on the site. Paper applications are also available at the SJCSD Yates Building for those who prefer a physical copy.
Each school application has specific rules. If a student is applying to more than one elementary school, a separate application must be submitted for each school. The district uses a lottery system, where applications are assigned numbers randomly to allocate available seats fairly.
Lottery results are sent directly to applicants via email. Those who secure a seat through the lottery have 10 days to accept the offer. The selection process is final, with no appeals allowed. Additional eligibility requirements apply for students involved in athletics or special education programs to ensure fairness for all applicants.
Certain groups receive priority in the selection process, including children of active-duty military personnel who moved due to military orders and children impacted by a court-ordered custody change due to separation, divorce, or the serious illness or death of a custodial parent. Siblings may be placed on a waitlist if space is limited. Parents or guardians are responsible for transportation, although scholarships may be available for those who qualify financially.
In-district families receive priority, with out-of-county applications considered after the in-district needs are met. The district adheres to state-mandated class size limits to maintain educational quality, ensuring that seats are filled without compromising the learning experience.
