As open enrollment and variance application windows open across Arizona’s West Valley, school districts are urging families to review their options as population growth and new school campuses reshape the region’s education landscape.
Arizona law allows families to apply to attend public schools outside their assigned attendance boundaries through open enrollment, provided space is available. The option has grown increasingly relevant in fast-growing West Valley communities, where new housing and expanding neighborhoods continue to drive enrollment increases.
The West Valley has ranked among the fastest-growing areas in the Phoenix metropolitan region for more than a decade, according to a 2025 study. Communities served by the Agua Fria, Litchfield and Liberty elementary school districts have seen significant population gains fueled by residential development and job growth.
District officials encourage families to weigh factors such as academic focus, specialized programs, transportation, extracurricular offerings, class size and school culture. Visiting campuses in person can also help families better understand how schools support students, officials said.
Tom Horne, Arizona’s Department of Education superintendent, a longtime advocate of school choice, said the enrollment season often prompts families to reconsider whether their child’s current school remains the right fit.
“Even a good school doesn’t necessarily meet everyone’s needs,” Horne said. “Families should have the ability to find a school that works for each child.”
The Agua Fria Union High School District has opened its open enrollment, also known as a variance application, for the 2026-27 school year. The window runs from Dec. 15 through Jan. 23 and is open to both in-district students seeking a different campus and families living outside district boundaries.
The district’s enrollment push coincides with continued expansion. Goodyear High School opened in 2025 to serve growth in the southern portion of the district, and their newest campus, Hilltop School for the Arts, is scheduled to open ahead of the upcoming school year with a focus on visual and performing arts. District leaders say the additions are intended to relieve crowding and expand educational options.
Local elementary districts are also experiencing growth. Litchfield Elementary School District opened its open enrollment window Jan. 6 and is preparing to open the Troy Gilbert Elementary School in the coming year to serve both new and existing neighborhoods.
Liberty Elementary School District, which encourages families to submit open enrollment applications before March, also opened a new campus in 2025.
As enrollment windows open and new schools come online, district leaders say applying early is critical, particularly in areas where rapid growth has increased competition for limited seats.
With construction continuing across much of the West Valley, education leaders expect open enrollment to remain a key tool for families navigating the region’s evolving school landscape.
Visit district websites for more information on open enrollment availability and application requirements.
James Goldmeer can be reached at Mary.Goldmeer@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@inusua.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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