School of Choice
Coopersville Area Public Schools participates in Michigan’s Section 105 and 105c School of Choice programs. These state programs allow eligible non-resident students to apply for enrollment at CAPS. Once accepted, students do not need to reapply each year.
Our School of Choice application window is now open for the 2026–27 school year.
Applications will be accepted through August 14, 2026.
School of Choice offers families additional enrollment options when space is available, including the opportunity for students to attend a school outside of their resident district.
Each year, Coopersville Area Public Schools thoughtfully determines School of Choice participation details, including application timelines, available seats, and which grades or buildings may be included.
Transportation: Families attending through School of Choice are responsible for providing their own transportation.
What to expect:
1. Complete the School of Choice Application.
2. Upon receiving word that your School of Choice Application has been approved, your next step will be to complete the District Online Enrollment.
3. Upload the following documents into the District Online Enrollment portal:
- Approved School of Choice Application
- Certified Birth Certificate
- Immunization Records or Immunization Waiver
- Your student’s current IEP (if applicable)
After submitting the District Online Enrollment, CAPS staff will follow up with next steps or contact you if additional information is needed.
Note: Preschool and Kindergarten students have a few additional requirements. Please see the sections below for more information.
Additional Requirements:
Kindergarten & Young Fives
Starting Elementary School is a big milestone and we’re excited to welcome your little learner!
Children must be 5 years old by September 1 to enroll in Kindergarten.
If your child turns 5 between September 2 and December 1, a readiness screening helps determine whether Kindergarten, Young Fives, or Preschool is the best fit.
Additional Requirements
- Health Appraisal (completed by a physician)
- Hearing & Vision Screening
- Dental Screening
Additional Notes
If your child already attends CAPS (such as WECC Preschool or Young Fives), you do not need to re-enroll. You will only be asked to update documents as needed.
4-Year-Old Preschool (Turn 4 by Sept. 1)
4-Year-Old Preschool
Eligibility
Children must turn 4 on or before September 1.
Children who turn 4 between September 2 and December 1 may enroll with parent notification, per district guidelines. If you’re unsure which program is the best fit for your child, our team is happy to help guide you.
Enrollment Steps
- Step 1: Complete CAPS Online Registration
This step creates your child’s official school record with Coopersville Area Public Schools and allows you to upload the required enrollment documents.
Additional Requirement for Preschool
- Health Appraisal completed by a physician.
- Step 2: Complete MiECC Registration
After completing CAPS Online Enrollment, proceed to the MiECC form below. This ensures your child is placed in the correct early childhood program and fulfills all state early childhood requirements.
Additional Notes
If your child currently attends CAPS Preschool as a 3-year-old, you do not need to re-enroll for the 4-year-old program. You will only be asked to update documents as needed.
3-Year-Old Preschool (Turn 3 by Sept. 1)
3-Year-Old Preschool
Eligibility
Children must turn 3 on or before September 1.
Children who turn 3 between September 2 and December 1 may enroll with parent notification, per district guidelines. If you’re unsure which program is the best fit for your child, our team is happy to help guide you.
Enrollment Steps
- Step 1: Complete CAPS Online Registration
This step creates your child’s official school record with Coopersville Area Public Schools and allows you to upload the required enrollment documents.
Additional Requirement for Preschool
- Health Appraisal completed by a physician.
- Step 2: Complete MiECC Registration
After completing CAPS Online Enrollment, proceed to the MiECC form below. This ensures your child is placed in the correct early childhood program and fulfills all state early childhood requirements.
Additional Notes
If your child already attends CAPS Preschool, you do not need to re-enroll. You will only be asked to update documents as needed.
School of Choice: What to Know
Who Can Apply?
Students may apply if they reside within any district in the OAISD or in a district within Muskegon, Kent, or Allegan ISDs.
Transportation is not provided for School of Choice Students.
Athletics Eligibility
Students in grades 10-12 who transfer under School of Choice are required to wait 60 days before participating in interscholastic athletics in accordance with MHSAA regulations.
Reasons Enrollment May Be Denied
- The applicant is or has been suspended within the previous two years.
- The applicant has been expelled or withdrawn in lieu of expulsion from another district.
- The applicant has been convicted of a felony.
Section 105c Additional Guidelines
In accordance with Section 105c of the Revised School Code, enrollment of a student requiring special education services requires a written agreement with the resident intermediate school district for any added costs.
If a student becomes eligiable for special education after enrolling under section 105c, continued enrollment required a written agreement regarding the payment of added costs between the enrolling district and the district of residence.
