On Thursday, the board of New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School will consider whether to participate in the city’s centralized enrollment system next year.
The OneApp system is meant to ease the enrollment process for both parents and schools. Prior to OneApp, parents would apply to many independent charter schools and could be offered seats at multiple schools or none.
All Recovery School District Schools and several Orleans Parish School Board schools participate in the process, which includes several rounds of placements. However, Sci High and eight other schools overseen by the Orleans Parish School Board chose not to participate, requiring students to apply directly at those schools.
But that admission independence will eventually end. Those seeking renewal, which must happen at least every 10 years, are required by Orleans Parish School Board policy to join the OneApp system. Participation is also a requirement of any new charter granted by the board.
Of the nine now not participating, charter renewal will force six to join for the 2017-18 school year, and three for 2021-22.
At the request of its school leaders, Sci High’s board will discuss participation in the OneApp process for the 2016-17 school year.
“We aren’t up for charter renewal for another two years and we are considering all options at this point,” said Chana Benenson, principal of student development and school culture.“There are many elements that go into making this decision and we [leadership and board] plan to make the best decision for students, families, and the community at large.”
The board meets at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at the high school.
