1.2 Application & Enrollment FAQs (Colorado)

Application FAQs

Q: How do I know if my child is eligible to participate in the OpenEd program? 

A: This helpful chart is a good way to determine whether your child is eligible to participate in OpenEd's homeschool enrichment program in Colorado. 

Q: What is a Notice of Intent to Homeschool? How do I submit a Notice of Intent?

A: A Notice of Intent to Homeschool is a form used to notify a school district that a parent or legal guardian is establishing a Non-Public Home-Based Educational Program for their student.

Here is a Notice of Intent template that you can use. 

We recommend submitting your Notice of Intent to D358 or D49.

How to submit by email: Submit your completed Notice of Intent form to registration@d49.org (if submitting to D49) or to EGardner@lewispalmer.org (if submitting to D358). 

How to submit by mail: If submitting to D49, mail to 3850 Pony Tracks Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80922, attention central registration.

How to submit in person: If submitting to D49, drop off in person at D49 registration office at 3850 Pony Tracks Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80922.

Q: When will I find out if my student has been accepted into the program?

A: Most eligible students are accepted immediately after applying. Once accepted, you'll complete enrollment tasks and submit required documents for review. Our team works to process these as quickly as possible, though reviews may take an average of 30 days during busy enrollment periods.

Q: Will my student be enrolled as soon as I fill out the documentation?

A: We believe families deserve as many educational choices as possible, and our team works closely with our partners to help make those opportunities available. Because enrollment is ultimately subject to partner policies, program requirements, and available capacity, we can't guarantee a student's placement until their enrollment has been officially approved and confirmed. We'll keep you informed every step of the way and communicate as soon as a final decision is made.

Q: What grades does OpenEd serve? 

A: In Colorado, OpenEd serves students in grades K-12.

Q: Do you accept new students during the school year?

A: No, we unfortunately don't offer a mid-year program in Colorado. 

Q: What happens if I change my mind after I apply?

A: No problem—submitting an application doesn’t commit you to enrolling. If you decide OpenEd isn’t the right fit, just let us know so we can stop sending reminders about completing your paperwork.

Q: What if I decide to withdraw after the school year has begun?

A: If you've enrolled and later decide that OpenEd isn’t the right fit, please email us here. Our friendly Parent Support team is here to help—sometimes a quick conversation can make all the difference, especially as families adjust to the learning curve of the program.

If you need to withdraw once the school year begins, please review our Withdrawal/Repayment Policy guidelines, as early withdrawal may require repayment.

Enrollment FAQs

Q: What is the Kindergarten age requirement?

A: In Colorado, a student must be five years old on or before October 1st to enter Kindergarten.

Q: What counts as Proof of Colorado Residency?

A: Our preferred proof of residency is an active driver's license that's valid through September 1, 2026.

If you don't have an active driver's license, we can also accept one of the following documents: A utility bill dated within the past 60 days, a property tax record, a rental agreement, car insurance, voter registration, government mail, USPS change of address, car registration, or a state-issued ID.

Q: What does my student need to do to remain enrolled in the program?

A: To remain enrolled in the program, your student will need to:

• Submit all of their weekly learning logs.

• Complete 90 hours of live participation per semester. 

• Complete two in-person attendance days per year (organized by OpenEd). 

Q: Why does my young student need an email address?

A: Every student in the OpenEd program needs an individual, active email account. This is required to access their educational resources.

Please avoid using email addresses from previous schools, as these are often deactivated. For younger students, we recommend setting up a parent-managed email account.