(MIRROR INDY) — School enrollment opens for some schools on Nov. 1, which means now is a good time to visit Register the Indy site.

Indianapolis Public Schools and some charter schools use Enroll Indy’s OneMatch lottery system to place children in classrooms that best match families’ preferences. The site has guides on how school research options and apply online.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the 2025-26 school year.

Which schools use Enroll Indy?

IPS and area charter schools are partnering with Enroll Indy to simplify the K-12 enrollment process with a single online application form. Think about college Common Application websitebut for primary, middle and high schools.

Common school districts and private schools have separate processes. It is best to check their websites for application dates and questions.

Visit Enroll Indy’s school search for a complete list of schools who use the platform. The feature also allows families to view and compare school type, location and programs.

Do I have to use Enroll Indy?

If you plan to send your student to the same school, go for it! You do not need to use Enroll Indy.

Only these types of students need to submit an application:

• Students who are new to Indianapolis
• Students planning to transfer public schools
• Students who are not part of an Indy area feeder system

A feeder system directs students from one school to another when they have reached the highest grade level offered at a school, such as transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school.

IPS and several charter systems in the city have feeder models. For example, students who complete fifth grade at Paramount Cottage Home are automatically placed at Paramount Englewood Middle School and do not need to use Enroll Indy.

You can find a list of power supply models on page 9 of the Register Indy’s Parent Policy Manual.

How do the new IPS enrollment areas affect my school choice?

IPS adopted new registration areas as part of its ongoing Rebuilding Stronger district redistricting initiative. The plan reinstated the district’s sixth through eighth grade middle schools and reopened them two former IPS high school buildings as middle schools. It also redrawn enrollment boundaries in an effort to serve students more equitably through the various neighborhoods of Indy.

The plan went into effect this school year, so most IPS families should already know if school assignments in their neighborhood have changed. You can check which enrollment district your family belongs to this map.

How does Enroll Indy work?

Enroll Indy uses a lottery system called OneMatch. It allows families to apply to up to 10 schools per child. The system then matches students with a school they are invited to enroll at.

Generally, the program gives students their first choice school, but when there is more demand for a school than places available, a lottery starts.

The lottery algorithm takes into account things like where a student lives, where their siblings go to school, and whether a parent works in a school building.

To initiate the OneMatch process, you will need log in or create an Enroll Indy account and update a family profile with your preferences.

Families must complete a school application for each of their students. Although families can apply to up to 10 schools, you do not have to choose 10. You are encouraged to list only the names of the schools to which you are willing to send the student.

Families can use a feature called Family Match, which places all students in a family in the same school. But be aware that if you use this feature, Family Match will prioritize placing all students in a school together instead of giving them all first choice, especially if a first choice school is in high demand.

When should I submit my application?

The OneMatch lottery takes place in two rounds. The first round will open on November 1st and run until January 24th. The second will take place between January 25 and April 18.

Enroll Indy encourages first-round lottery enrollment to increase your chances of placing your student at the school of choice.

There is also a late entry window that opens every year in early June. During late registration, families can see in real time how many spots are available in each grade at each school and choose from what is left after the lottery. It is best not to wait once this window opens. Late registration seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

I did! I applied! When should I respond?

Congratulations for making it this far! You’re almost done.

Each OneMatch lottery round has its own results day. If you applied during the first round, you should hear back by email on February 13.

Results day for the second round is May 15.

Once you are offered a match, you will be invited to apply to that school. To sign up, follow the instructions in your match email. You will likely need to provide documents – such as a birth certificate, proof of address, medical forms and emergency contact information – depending on the school you are associated with.

You’ll have a few weeks to collect your information and complete your registration, but don’t wait too long. Seats are held for 30 days after notifications are sent. After that, schools are allowed to open places to other families.

I still have questions. Where can I get help?

Record Indy has a robust FAQ page on its website, breaking down everything from school transfers to pre-K enrollment.

School applications must be completed online. However, enrollment specialists are available to provide assistance.

Specialists are available by phone between 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers are on hand to answer questions. And, if you need assistance in another language, Enroll Indy will use interpreters to meet your needs.

You can reach Sign up on Indy at 317-426-3234 or [email protected].

Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood education and K-12. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X @carleylanich.