Enrolling Child into a School in the Suburbs Without Owning Property.

That's definitely not right. Is it a public school district? Do they have open enrollment for out of district children?

Wrong, wrong, wrong-you absolutely don't have to own (as everyone else has already stated). Renting is fine, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Wow...this is kind of scary to think that someone is saying that.

Actually, that's illegal in Illinois. Public schools are open at anyone who physically lives within the school area. That means you could own property, rent property, or even live with a relative (an informal rental).

You do need to prove that you live in the school's area. You'll need to show a lease or a purchase contract - but yes, your child can go to school there even if you don't own.

I think the confusion is that you currently do not live in the district. You will not be able to enroll in the school UNTIL you reside in the district and can prove residency. It has nothing to do with owning vs renting. If you know what school he will be attending, check their website for the specific information.

That sounds wrong to me. Call the school district. Renters AND owners attend our school. Are you talking public or private school? But really, either way, I wouldn't think it matters. Maybe what someone meant was that you need to live in and pay taxes in the district where your child(ren) attend school?

You have to LIVE within the district. IF you have a signed lease showing you live within the boundaries, a public school has to let you in. The person who told you that does NOT want you or your kids coming to their school so watch your back. Make sure you are legally on the lease and actually living there.

That doesn't sound right, especially if it's a public school. I would call the school district and find out for sure. I'm gathering that you don't live there yet and maybe that's why they told you that. I would figure as long as you have proof that you are renting in the district that it shouldn't be a problem; otherwise, like another poster mentioned where are you supposed to go?

Unless it was a school official who in in charge of this told you this information, I would not believe it. Not everyone who lives in a town owns property. You just have to show proof of residency not ownership.

Hmm, you've been given bad information. I have plenty of friends who rent and send their kids to local schools. If you rented in the district but couldn't send your kids there... where would they go to school? That makes no sense.

La Grange is great! You don't have to own.

Who told you that? Residency is residency, regardless of whether you rent or own. My understanding of proof of residency is your name/address on a rental agreement (lease) or mortgage (for homeowners), utility bill (gas, electric, phone) at that address, etc. Anyone that tells you otherwise is mistaken (or deliberately deceiving). If need be, maybe you should consult with a lawyer.

What school is this? Is it a private school? I think you may have gotten miscommunication.

RENTING a residential property in the neighborhood boundary of a public school enables your child to attend that public school. The owner of the property (AKA your landlord) pays property tax that goes toward the public school system funding.

You have to provide your lease that shows it is your primary residence as well as utility bills that show you live there.

Call the school back and ask to speak to whomever registers new children for school and ask what the registration requirements are. It's probably available on their website even.
They may have thought since you are commuting now that you intended to stay living in the city and just enroll your child in their school - you obviously can't do that. Also some people will rent the least expensive apartment, but not live there or sublease it out - just to get their kid in a better school district. So, they want to prevent you from doing that. But if you can prove that you are living there as your primary residence and it's within their neighborhood boundary then they have to enroll your child.

now - a public or charter school - they will have different policies.

Good luck

That sounds like total BS. When you rent, the landlord pays property taxes, which in turn get rolled into your rent. As long as you have proof of residence in an area, you should be able to go to that area's public school. I would be shocked if this were valid - it certainly doesn't sound legal.

You have to be a resident of the town and district where you send your child to public school. That's the law. Perhaps you misunderstood whomever "informed" you that you have to own rather than just rent.

I can't imagine them not allowing kids that live in the area to attend school there just because they rent. They have to live in the area or that would not be fair but to make all the kids that live in apartments or rental houses go to another district??? That is surely odd.

I hope it works out for you!

if you live in the school boundaries they have to let you enroll your son. it is illegal for them to say no. are you sure they said you have to own your home? or did they say you have to live there? you cant enroll him outside your district without paying huge fees. They may have misunderstood your question. It would be illegal for you as a renter in say oswego to enroll your son in school in lagrange. but would be totally fine for you to enroll in lagrange. I would call back and say I am confused and need some clarification. ask for the person who is in charge of enrollment.

No school (if they are public) can deny you access to their school if you have a permanent mailing address and full-time residence in their district. You can rent - but it must be your residence.

They must have misunderstood your question. You can't have to OWN property to enroll in school... it's a public school. You will however, have to actually LIVE in the attendance area. You will have to show proof of this as either a DEED (if you own) or LEASE if you rent. Perhaps she was telling you about needing a deed and didn't clarify that a lease will work too.

Call back and ask again. You probably cannot enroll UNTIL you have a signed lease agreement in the attendance area. You won't be able to enroll because you are "planning" to move.

Hope this helps,
T.

Informed by who? This doesn't sound right, I've never heard of such a thing! Call the school district and find out exactly what the residency requirements are.