Special Enrollment Considerations: Multiple Occupancy & Support Gratis

Students of families who live in the home of another District resident as multiple occupants may still be eligible for enrollment in the Lower Merion School District under specific circumstances. Additionally, students who live with a District resident who supports the students without personal compensation (gratis) may be eligible to enroll in the District if the resident applies and provides the required documentation.  

Please review the information below carefully. Each option has distinct eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and legal responsibilities.

Multiple Occupancy Enrollment

Multiple Occupancy enrollment applies when a student and their parent or legal guardian reside in a home, apartment, or room owned or leased by another Lower Merion School District resident.

Eligibility Overview

• The parent/legal guardian and student must maintain a primary residence within the district.
• The residence is owned or leased by another district resident.
• The living arrangement must comply with local zoning regulations and leasing requirements, if applicable.

Required Documentation

To apply, families must submit:

• A completed and notarized Multiple Occupancy Application & Affidavit signed by the parent/legal guardian
• A completed and notarized Legal Affidavit signed by the property owner or lessee
• A valid, government-issued photo identification from both the parent/legal guardian and property owner/lessee
• One proof of residency from the parent/guardian
• Two proofs of residency from the property owner/lessee (e.g., deed or lease and current utility bill)

Important Notes

• Applications are subject to verification, including possible home visits or neighborhood observations.
• Families must notify the District within five (5) days of any change in living circumstances.
• If information is found to be false or becomes inaccurate, families may be responsible for tuition reimbursement and may face removal from enrollment.
• All Multiple Occupancy affidavits expire on June 30th of every year and must be renewed annually for continued enrollment eligibility. Renewal applications must include a completed Abridged Application for and Affidavit of Multiple Occupancy, along with one current proof of residency from the parent/guardian and one current proof of residency from the property owner or lessee.
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or unnotarized applications cannot be processed.

Support Gratis Enrollment

Support Gratis enrollment applies when a district resident provides full, non-compensated support for a student who is not their own, and the student lives in the resident's home on a continuous basis. Please see Administrative Regulation 202-1 Non-Resident Students – Students Enrolling Based on a Support Gratis Affidavit for additional information.

Eligibility Overview

• The resident must be a Lower Merion School District resident and legal owner or lessee of the home.
• The resident provides support without financial compensation.
• The resident assumes all educational and personal responsibilities for the student.
• The arrangement is intended to be ongoing, not solely for school attendance.

Required Documentation

To apply, families must submit:

• A completed and notarized Sworn Statement & Affidavit by Resident under §13-1302
• Two proofs of residency for the resident guardian (e.g., deed or lease and current utility bill)

Important Notes and Legal Responsibilities

By submitting a Support Gratis affidavit, the resident affirms that they will:

• Make all educational decisions for the student
• Attend school meetings and conferences
• Address attendance, discipline, fees, immunizations, and special education needs
• Notify the District within five (5) days of any change in circumstances

Providing false information may result in tuition charges, removal from school, and possible legal action, as outlined in section 1302 of the Pennsylvania School Code.

All Support Gratis affidavits expire on June 30th of every year and must be renewed annually for continued enrollment eligibility. Renewal applications must include a completed Abridged Sworn Statement & Affidavit by Resident under §13-1302, along with one current proof of residency for the resident guardian.

Before You Apply

• All applications are reviewed by the District and are subject to verification, including possible home visits or neighborhood observations.
• Tuition rates are established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and may change.
• Incomplete, inaccurate, or unnotarized applications cannot be processed.

If you are unsure which enrollment option applies to your situation, or if you have questions about required documentation, please contact the Department of Student Services at 610-658-3998 before submitting an application.