Non-Resident Student Enrollment/Registration

Livingston Public Schools welcomes applications from students living outside the district boundaries who wish to attend our schools. Below, you’ll find key information about the application process and important policies.

Non-resident Student Criteria

Those whose primary residence lies outside Livingston School District #4 & #1, but who are interested in attending:

Winans Primary School (PreK-2)
East Side Intermediate School (Grades 3-5)
Sleeping Giant Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Park High School (Grades 9-12)

Important Considerations

Approval is based on available space.
Transportation is not provided; families must arrange their own transportation.
Annual reapplication is required.
Apply for the next school year by May 1st (full year) or November 1st (second semester).

District Contact Information

Livingston Public Schools District Office

129 River Drive
Livingston, MT 59047
Phone: (406) 222-0861

Jenny Stringer Human Resources

Email Jenny Stringer
Lisa Peterson Registrar

Email Lisa Peterson

Application Process

Non-resident students must complete a Student Attendance Agreement (Form FP-14) each year. This form must be approved by both the student's home district and Livingston Public Schools.

Download and complete the form: Download Form FP-14
Gather the following documents:
1. Attendance Records
2. Behavior Records
3. Transcripts (Grades 9-12 only)

Please submit these documents to Jenny Stringer at the LPS District Office. Applications will go to the Board of Trustees in the June Regular Board Meeting, where your application will be considered. Within ten days of the Board's decision, the district shall provide copies of the Attendance Agreement Application to the parent/guardian and to the district of residence.

Park County Elementary Districts Map

ParkCountyElementaryDistricts

Policies and Guidelines

Special Services Info for Non-Resident Students

Nonresident Enrollment FAQ

Q: What is Nonresident (Open) Enrollment?
Montana has established boundaries for each school district. Open enrollment means a student can apply to attend school outside of the district boundaries where they live.

Q: Can my child attend if we live outside the district?
Yes, sometimes. Your child can attend if it's required by law due to special circumstances, or if the school board approves your application.

Q: When is non-resident enrollment a must?
By law, the district must enroll your child if certain specific situations exist (see MCA Section 20-5-321). Contact the district for details.

Q: What if it's not a required enrollment? Can we still apply?

Yes, you can apply. However, resident students and those with mandatory enrollment get priority.

Q: How do we apply?
Apply for the next school year by May 1st (full year) or November 1st (second semester). Use the official application form (FP-14). Download the form or get the form from the District office.

Q: Do we apply every year?
Yes, you must reapply each school year.

Q: How does the school decide?
The School Board makes the final decision. They will check if admitting your child will negatively impact the education of students who live in the district.

Q: What could cause my application to be denied?
Reasons for denial include overcrowding, hindering the district's educational goals, or a history of significant disciplinary issues in other schools (with some exceptions for students with disabilities).

Q: When will we know if we are approved?
Applicants are presented for approval at the July School Board Meeting

Q: What if our application is rejected?
The district will explain why, and you have the right to appeal.

Q: Who is responsible for transportation?
Generally, you are responsible for getting your child to and from school if you live outside the district.

Q: Can non-resident students join school activities?
Athletics/activities are regulated by the Montana High School Association (MHSA) and all transfer protocol must be followed for a student to participate in the new district. Please refer to the MHSA Handbook.

Q: Who can I contact for more questions?
Contact the Livingston Public Schools administration for more information.