Limited Open Enrollment is a criteria-based program that allows a select number of students who live outside of EMS ISD boundaries to apply to attend certain EMS ISD schools. Admission is based on factors such as academic performance, attendance, and behavior. 

EMS ISD is exploring ways to address budget challenges while continuing to provide high-quality educational opportunities. The State has provided only a minimal increase of around $55 per student to the general allotment for public schools since 2019, while inflation has caused the cost of everything to increase dramatically. This has led to budget deficit for EMS ISD. 

Additionally, while EMS ISD is still growing, that growth has slowed considerably. There are also around 1800-2000 children who live in EMS ISD but choose a different option for education. With the State's voucher program, where they use your tax dollars to pay private schools for education, beginning in 2026-2027, there will likely be more seats open in EMS ISD.

Allowing additional students to enroll and take advantage of the high quality academics, athletics, fine arts, and career and technical education opportunities in EMS ISD can help generate funding and maximize the use of existing resources. 

Students must meet established eligibility criteria, including: 

• Academic progress and performance 

• Attendance history 

• Conduct and disciplinary records 

 The following campuses are being considered for Limited Open Enrollment at this time: 

• Greenfield Elementary School
• Northbrook Elementary School
• Dozier Elementary School
• Ed Willkie Middle School
• Marine Creek Middle School
• Eagle Mountain High School
• Chisholm Trail High School
• Boswell High School
• Saginaw High School

Boswell High School was added to the list to provide flexibility for families while maintaining a balanced approach to enrollment across the district. Boswell is currently the high school in our District with the highest enrollment, and this decision was made with careful consideration to ensure equal opportunities for our families across all four high schools. As with all campuses, student transfer decisions will continue to be based on available space, staffing, and our commitment to maintaining a high-quality learning environment for every student, along with considering attendance, behavior, and academics.  

Any students who attend Boswell through transfers or limited open enrollment will only fill seats that become available if current students transfer to another campus. In other words, this process allows the district to manage enrollment more efficiently without increasing the overall number of students at Boswell.

Open enrollment availability is based on each school’s capacity and staffing. The district carefully evaluates both available space and staffing levels before considering a campus for open enrollment. This approach helps ensure that all students receive the level of support and learning environment they deserve.

Current EMS ISD students remain the priority. Open enrollment will be limited and carefully managed to maintain class sizes, staffing ratios, and program quality. 

EMS ISD will closely monitor enrollment and staffing levels. Adjustments will be made if needed to ensure class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios remain within targeted levels. 

Families will apply at www.emsisd.com/openenrollment.  

Families will be responsible for transportation. 

Participation in UIL activities shall be in accordance with all applicable UIL regulations and applicable District policies FDA and FDB (LEGAL and LOCAL) and the corresponding administrative regulations. Per UIL policy, a student who attends a school outside their assigned zone is ineligible to participate in varsity sports for 365 days.

Yes, students who live in EMS ISD will now fall under the same athletic transfer policy, and participation will follow all UIL eligibility guidelines. 

No. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission. Acceptance is based on both eligibility and available space. 

Limited Open Enrollment is planned to begin with the 2026–2027 school year. 

Many neighboring districts already offer open enrollment options, and school choice programs, including vouchers, are expanding. By offering Limited Open Enrollment, EMS ISD remains competitive, attracts families seeking high-quality education, and strengthens financial stability while continuing to provide strong, choice-driven opportunities for students. 

Local Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax dollars are sent to the state, and only a portion is returned to EMS ISD. That funding is largely based on student attendance. When more students attend EMS ISD schools, the district receives more funding from the state—helping support programs, staff, and resources that benefit all students. 

At this time we are not accepting Limited Open Enrollment for Pre-K.

Unfortunately, EMS ISD is not able to add additional staff, create new programs, or expand current programs to meet an applicant's educational needs.