Here are my notes after reviewing the Laurel Springs school standard enrollment process.  I would making to this process as a new parent and filled out all the forms needed to complete the process.

Overall, I noticed a lack of consistency with regard to layout and use of a grid structure. To give you an example, from page to page in this process radio buttons are not rendered on one page of the form as they are on another. There are some simple remedies with the use of layout and typography that will enhance your overall usability. I will list out specific findings later on.

You had mentioned in your e-mail that you want to make this process less frustrating and more intuitive.  Overall, the form process you're using is pretty standard.  There are some specific details that I noticed when filling out the forms and completing and I will mention those later in this document.

Right up front at the beginning of the process.  I noticed I was not pulled approximately how long it would take to complete the entire form process.  It would be a good idea to put an approximate time.  Right up front, for example, it will take approximately 30 minutes to complete the forms.  If you have all information at hand.  This simple additional alone would help relieve some frustration for some people. Additionally, listing in bullet point format the specific pieces of information I need to complete the forms would be extremely helpful.  This way, I can gather all the information before proceeding with the process and getting inside and not having what I need.

I agree that there should be some sort of wayfinding mechanism to help people understand where they are within the process of completing your forms.  On my first trip through the forums, one of the first things I was struck by was not knowing how much further I had to go. This can certainly be remedied by your suggestion of using a tabbed approach, like tabbed folders, to indicate what area or stage of the process you're in.  Another alternative, you might consider is to put a 200 pixel column on the left that lists in a hierarchical manner.  Every page of the process.  Every page listed could also be hyperlinked to allow you the freedom to move from one page to another.  Furthermore, you can also place a button at the end of this list titled "save for later" that would allow users to save where they are at to come back later When they have all their information.

Here in more detail are some specific items.  I noted, as I went through the forms.
Be consistent with how you indicate required elements.  For example, sometimes, you said "items in bold are required" and later in the form.  You had sentences that were bold, but they were not titling a form element.  Rather than using bold to indicate required items.  You might consider using an asterisk.

Some radio button elements were placed in a horizontal line rather than having them stacked.  Radio buttons and their options should always be stacked.

I would make all the text flush left.  There are places within the forums where type is centered and looks inconsistent.

The close window link is not working on the pop up windows.

Some form elements are floating out on the right-hand side of the page.  All form elements should be beneath the heading, or question and flush left.

I would consider making the back and continue button have a higher contrast with the background.  They tend to blend in and are key navigation element.  I would also make them flush left on the page.  Additionally, I would add a save button to allow the user to save their input.  Based on where they are in the process.

I clicked the help button in a few areas, and the resulting pop-up window came up with no helpful information.  You need to provide an alternative message, or contact information for someone to get the help they need.

When viewing courses, a pulldown menu in the upper right of the page, allowing users to jump to other options might be a nice addition

I would be happy to spend time producing wireframe layouts for the entire form process.  If you feel would be helpful for your programmers.  Please let me know if you have any further questions, or how I may be of help.