Guaranteeing a quality education for your children is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. And when you're a new migrant parent in the United States, it can be even more daunting to figure out how to get your child enrolled in school.
But don't worry, we are here to help. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of enrolling your child in Public School in the United States.
Public Education in the United States
Public education is a fundamental right for all children in the United States. It is free and compulsory, meaning that all children must attend school until they are at least 16, 17, or 18 years old, depending on the state in which they live.
The educational system in the United States is divided into:
- Elementary School (primary): From Kindergarten (4 – 6 years) to Fifth grade (10-11 years)
- Middle School (high school): From Sixth grade (11-12 years old) to Eighth grade (13-14 years old)
- High School (preparatory school): From Ninth grade (14-15 years old) to Twelfth grade (17-18 years old)
- University: 4 years of studies.
What do you need to enroll your child in public school?
To enroll a migrant child in a public school in the United States, generally, is required to:
- Research through your physical address which elementary, middle, and high schools exist in your area.
- Contact the school district where you live. You can find contact information on the Department of Education website.
- Schedule an appointment with the school district's enrollment specialist. The Enrollment Specialist will help you through the enrollment process and answer any questions.
- You must bring to the appointment the required documentation that we will explain later.
- The enrollment specialist will create a school file for your children and assign them to a school.
However, it may vary depending on the State in which you are. You should consult the Federal and State Compliance Office - FASCO website here.
What Documents require the inscription
The documentation required to enroll children in public schools in the United States can vary by state and school district. However, some documents that may be required include:
- Proof of identity: Birth certificate, passport, or other proof of identity.
- Proof of residency (lease agreement, utility bill, or letter from landlord).
- Immunization records (a physical exam report from the child's pediatrician or primary care physician).
- Immunization certificate (another official form also issued by the child's pediatrician or primary care physician. It is also recommended to bring the child's vaccination card).
- Proof of income (a document that shows how much money a family makes. This could be a tax return, pay stub, or letter from an employer).
If you are not sure about the documentation required, contact the school district where you plan to enroll the child.
What if your child does not speak English?
If your child does not speak English or is in the process of learning, it is important to inform the school during the registration process. This will allow the school to place your child in a bilingual education program, if available. Bilingual education programs are designed to help children learn English while also maintaining their native language.
The school will also ask what languages spoke at home. If you do not speak English, the school will be required to provide you with information about your child's education in a language you understand. This information may include notes, citations, parent orientations, requests for permits for extracurricular activities, and more.
What School Supplies Does Your Child Need?
In most cases, students are responsible for providing their school supplies. To find out what supplies your child will need, you can visit the website of your school district or speak to their teachers directly.
Many organizations can help low-income families afford school supplies, such as the Salvation Army, United Way, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. You can consult about this here.
School Lunch and Transportation in Public Schools
Public schools offer all students free or low-cost breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Most school districts offer school transportation to students who live far from school. It is important to clarify that transportation is not a student's right. You can find information about bus schedules on your school district's website if your child is granted this facility.
Additional Tips
- You do not need to provide a social security number (SSN) when registering your child for school.
- Your immigration status is not required to prove your residency, so schools should not ask for it.
- If you arrive in the United States in the summer, you can enroll your child at the start of the standardized school year. If you arrive in the middle of the school year, then you should enroll your child as soon as possible.
- Many schools have resources to help families who do not speak English. Do not be afraid to apply for these resources.
- Find out about all the help available to you in your school district.
