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How to enroll your child in school in the US
Public schools in the US are free, and children are assigned to a school by home address. So the first step is to find out which school district your home belongs to.
Enrollment usually happens through the district website or at a registration office. You’ll need your child’s documents, proof of address and health records.
What documents they’ll ask for
Your child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of address (a lease, a utility bill), a vaccination record and, if you have them, report cards and a reference from the previous school with a translation.
Many districts ask for a physical from a local pediatrician and any missing vaccinations according to the state schedule.
Kindergarten and pre-K
Free kindergarten usually starts at age 5 and is part of the school. For younger children there is pre-K: free in some states, paid or by lottery in others.
Look for private preschools and daycare early: places at good ones often fill up months ahead.
FAQ
Can I choose a school in the US?+
Usually your child attends the school for your address. There are exceptions — charter and magnet schools — but admission is often by application or lottery.
Will a school accept a child who doesn’t speak English?+
Yes. A public school must accept your child, and there are ESL/ELL programs for children learning English.
At what age do children start school in the US?+
Kindergarten usually starts at age 5. The exact birthday cutoff depends on the state.
The magazine’s tools are for self-checking. They don’t diagnose and don’t replace a specialist’s advice. Calculations run in your browser.
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