Westwood Community School District serves families across our five towns and students come from each district surrounding us. We offer families a welcoming, community-centered school experience with academic opportunities and the stability of strong community roots. Our schools provide the space, support and connections families are seeking when deciding where their child will thrive.
Why Families Choose Westwood:
Strong relationships and personal connections
Supportive early childhood, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten programs
Technology for all without it being too much time on a screen
No cell phones or other distractions from the start of the day to the end
Athletics, Fine Arts, Archery, Esports and a wide variety of other activities
Open Enrollment Made Simple
Easy Process: Complete and submit an 27-28 Open Enrollment Application for each child in your family.
Clear Deadlines: Send the open enrollment applications to both the resident and receiving school districts by the 2027-2028 state deadline for grades 1-12 of March 1, 2027. The kindergarten deadline is September 1, 2027.
Support is always available: For assistance, please contact Melissa Ferris at 712-428-3355 x. 328 or mferris@wcsdrebels.com.
Please mail, email or fax copies of the open enrollment application to:
Mail Option:
Westwood CSD
Attn: Melissa Ferris
1000 Rebel Way
Sloan, Iowa 51055
Fax Option: 712-428-3246
Email Option: mferris@wcsdrebels.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the process that allows parents or guardians who reside in one Iowa school district to enroll their child in another Iowa public school district. This process is governed by Iowa Code section 282.18 and Iowa Administrative Code 281–17.
Who is eligible for Open Enrollment?
Students entering grades 1–12 may apply for open enrollment.
Kindergarten students may apply with a different deadline.
Preschool students are not eligible for open enrollment.
What are the deadlines to apply for Open Enrollment?
March 1: Deadline for regular open enrollment requests for students entering grades 1–12 for the following school year.
September 1: Deadline for kindergarten open enrollment requests.
Applications submitted after March 1 may be accepted if the student meets the definition of good cause under Iowa Administrative Code 281–17.4(1), such as a change in residence.
Where can I find the Open Enrollment application and official guidance?
Families should visit the Iowa Department of Education website for:
Open enrollment applications
Detailed timelines and deadlines
Official rules and guidance
You may also download the Iowa Department of Education Open Enrollment Handbook, which includes additional FAQs (see page 18).
Do I need to reapply for Open Enrollment every year?
No. Open enrollment requests do not need to be renewed annually as long as:
The receiving district remains the same, and
The parent/guardian does not notify the district that they wish to terminate the open enrollment.
Open enrollment remains in effect until the student graduates, drops out, or the request is terminated (Iowa Administrative Code 281–17.7(1)).
What if we move out of the district?
If a family moves to another Iowa school district and wishes for their student to continue attending Westwood Community under open enrollment, the request should be submitted as soon as the move occurs.
Are high school students eligible for athletics after open enrollment?
Students who transfer school districts under open enrollment in grades 9–12 are not eligible to participate in interscholastic contests or competitions for the first 140 calendar days after the transfer.
Questions regarding Open Enrollment can be directed to:
Jay Lutt, Superintendent
jlutt@wcsdrebels.com
712-428-3355 x. 326