School Choice is the process established by Arkansas law that allows families to request enrollment in a school other than the one assigned based on their home address.

School Choice applies to:

• Students who live within the Van Buren School District and wish to attend a different VBSD school.
• Students who live and attend school outside of the Van Buren School District and wish to attend a VBSD school.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Arkansas law revised how School Choice was defined. Previously, some transfer requests were handled through Attendance Area Exceptions. That process is being phased out.

Starting January 1, 2026:

•  The new state required School Choice window will be January 1 through June 1 for the next school year.
• Attendance Area Exceptions will no longer be used for student transfers.
   

All student transfer requests, both within the district and from outside the district, must be submitted through the School Choice process.

• School Choice applies to all student transfer requests within VBSD and from outside the district.

• Approval is based on available space and staffing at the requested school.

• Once approved, students do not need to reapply each year, as long as they remain enrolled in the school/district they were previously approved for.

• Transportation is the responsibility of the family.

1. Obtain a School Choice application by calling the Van Buren School District Administration Building at (479) 474-7942
    
2. Complete the Arkansas School Choice application. This application is required for all student transfer requests.
    
3. Submit your application to VBSD.
    

Applications are reviewed based on available space and staffing. Families will be notified once decisions are finalized.

If a School Choice request is approved:

• The student may enroll at the approved VBSD campus.
   
• The student may continue attending the approved school in future years without reapplying, provided they remain enrolled in the school/district they were previously approved for.