General Application Information

Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) applications are only available only during designated open enrollment periods. The enrollment windows for the 2025-2026 school year are listed at the bottom of this page. When available, applications may be submitted online or by accessing the website listed below. Paper copies are also available at the St. Johns County School District Yates Building, located at 47 Orange Street St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Complete the Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) Application

 Lottery Process and Selection

Preferential Treatment

1. Students residing within St. Johns County. 
2. Dependent children of active-duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders.
3. Children who have been relocated due to a foster care placement in a different school zone.
4. Children who have been moved due to a court-ordered change in custody, which was the result of a separation or divorce, or the serious illness or death of a custodial parent.
5. Siblings: A parent may declare their school preference for an applicant in an effort to place siblings at the same school. There are two forms of sibling preference for an applicant:

• • • •  The sibling of the applicant is currently enrolled and attending the requested school, through controlled open enrollment (COE).
      •  The applicant has a sibling with a separate controlled open enrollment application for the same cycle.

Availability of Transportation

Student Athlete Transfers

(Applies to middle school student athletes)

Student athletes who transfer to another school must comply with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules of athletic eligibility. In order to be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics and interscholastic extracurricular activities, the following applies.

A student participating in controlled open enrollment (COE) or a program of interest, is immediately eligible upon enrollment to participate in interscholastic athletics and interscholastic extracurricular activities, provided they meet the minimum academic criteria AND that they were not immediately participating at a previous school unless one of the following applies:

1. Dependent children of active-duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders.
2.  Children who have been relocated due to a foster care placement in a different school zone.
3. Children who have moved due to a court ordered change in custody, due to separation or divorce, or serious illness or death of a custodial parent.
4. Good cause for participation exists under district or charter school policy.

A student who has not started a sport may seek to immediately join an existing team if the roster for the specific interscholastic team or interscholastic extracurricular activity has not yet reached the identified maximum size. In addition, the head coach or school athletic director may determine that the student has the requisite skills and ability to participate.

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Transfers

Students who have an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be approved for COE placement only if the requested school can implement the IEP as written. Families should contact the Guidance and Choice office if clarification is needed. 

Voluntary Return to Assigned School or District

Students may request to voluntarily return to the home-zoned school at any time. Whenever possible, transfers should occur at the end of a grading period or semester.

Rescinding of Placement

Controlled Open Enrollment placement may be rescinded if:

• Incorrect or false information was provided on the application.
• Attendance, tardiness or discipline/behavior problems develop at the awarded school.

Class Size Compliance

All available COE seats are subject to maximum class size requirements as outlined in Florida Statute 1003.03 and applicable constitutional provisions. 

Extension of Application Window for Military 

Applications for dependent children of active-duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders may continue to be filed after the application deadline if seats remain unfilled for the school year.