Children & K-12 Schooling

K–12 Education for Families

Families are welcome to enroll their children in local public schools at no cost. Public education in the U.S. typically begins with kindergarten at age 5. Some districts may also offer preschool options for younger children.

The public school your child can attend depends on your home address. You can use online tools such as GreatSchools.org to find your school district and assigned school. Once you identify the school, contact it directly for details about registration and required documents.

Public schools are free, but families must provide proof of required immunizations during enrollment. All public schools are also required to offer English language development programs and support for students who are learning English.

In addition to public schools, many private schools are available throughout the area. These schools vary in cost, curriculum, and location.

Public Schools (K–12)

Public schools in Deerfield Beach and throughout Broward County are tuition-free for all children. Free school bus transportation is also provided daily for eligible students, based on age and distance requirements.

Enrollment Process

To determine which school your child will attend, contact the Broward County School District Office. They will provide the name and address of your assigned school. You should schedule an appointment with school officials before your child begins classes.
Bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Your child’s birth certificate

• Immunization records (required before enrollment)

• Medical records

• Previous academic records (translated into English, if available)

If your child does not have the required immunizations, they must receive them before starting school.

School Programs

Pre-Kindergarten is available at some schools, either as a half-day or full-day program, depending on location. The school day typically includes lunch, which students may bring from home or purchase at school for a reasonable cost.

Health and Safety

If a student becomes ill during the school day, the school nurse will examine them. In most cases, parents are contacted and asked to pick up their child. Please do not send your child to school if they are sick. It’s important to keep your daytime contact number updated with the school principal in case of emergencies.

Communication and Calendar

Parents receive a school calendar at the beginning of each academic year, along with notices about holidays and events. Be sure to remind your child to bring home all school communications promptly.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Information for School-Aged Children

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS: If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 and is not a native English speaker, you should get in touch with the English Language Learner (ELL) coordinators in the school system where your children will be zoned based on your Deerfield Beach address.

BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS ESOL
Contact: Victoria B. Saldala, Director; 754-321-2590
Parent Resources: https://browardschools.instructure.com/courses/867005/pages/parent-resources-translated-documents