Enrolling Your Child

• Decide whether you need to go to the school to register your child or if you can register online. 

• If you are registering in person, make an appointment to enroll your child if possible. 

• There is a person at each school who enrolls students. The person who enrolls students is the Registrar.  

• He or she may also be the school secretary, an admissions coordinator, a student services coordinator, or office staff. You can call the school before you go to find out who to contact.

• If you need an interpreter and have someone you know who can interpret, arrange to take them with you. Sometimes, your child can serve as the interpreter if they speak English. Some schools have staff who speak your language. If you don’t have anyone to help you, call the school. They can usually get an interpreter to help you enroll your child as long as you ask ahead of time. It may take several days for schools to get an interpreter.  If you don’t have an appointment, interpreters are not usually available. 

Gather all the papers you need to take with you before you go. 

What to Bring When You Register:

•  Proof of your child’s age (birth certificate or passport).

• Proof of where you live:

  • A house or apartment lease

  • Receipts if you live in month-to-month housing

  • A letter from a family member you may be living with. 

  • If you are in temporary housing, let the school know when you go to register.  

  •  Some schools ask for 2 pieces of proof of residency- for example, a lease and an electric or water bill

• Immunization records (Shots your child has received). Some schools also require students to have a physical in the last 12 months.

• School records 

• If your child went to school before, bring past report cards. 

• If they had an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)  or some other form of special education plan, bring any records you have. 

• Bring the name and address of the last school your child attended.

• Parent ID (Some schools ask for your ID, but it does not have to be a U.S. ID). You may need a Photo ID. 

• Legal Custody Documents- if applicable
  If you don’t have access to any of these documents, ask your school for help.

Legal Versus Undocumented Immigrants

• There is no difference in enrolling any child. Schools cannot ask about immigration status or require a Social Security number.

• Your child has the same rights to school, free meals, and services as any other student.

If you need help, ask the school for an interpreter or someone who speaks your language. Schools are here to help your child learn and succeed!