Kindergarten: The age requirement for entering Kindergarten in DC and Maryland is 5 by December 31. The Kindergarten age requirement in Virginia is age 5 by September 30. Private schools typically follow the same age requirements as the state in which they are located.
While you should verify specific school requirements with the individual school system, general information regarding registering your children in the DC, Maryland and Virginia, public schools follows:
District of Columbia:
Students should register at the school they plan to attend. Students are guaranteed placement at their neighborhood school. If students want to attend an out-of-boundary school (a school other than their neighborhood school), they must go through the out-of-boundary application process.
When you go to register your children, you should take the following documents with you:
-- Proof of your children's birth date
-- Legal proof of residency (i.e., settlement papers, rental contract, etc)
-- Record of immunization
Maryland:
Students new to the school system are asked to register at the school they will attend (this depends on where you live).
When you go to register your children, you should take the following documents with you:
-- Proof of your children's birth date
-- Legal proof of residency (i.e., settlement papers, rental contract, etc)
-- Record of immunization
-- Student transfer card or last report card from previous school
Virginia:
Individual schools schedule new-student registration dates in early August. However, students may be enrolled at any time, and parents are urged to enroll their children as soon as possible after arrival in the area.
When you go to register your children, you should take the following documents with you:
-- The presence of a natural or adoptive parent (a photo ID of the parent may be requested)
-- Proof of your children's birth date
-- Legal proof of residency (i.e., settlement papers, rental contract, etc)
-- Record of immunization
-- Student transfer card or last report card from previous school
-- Social Security number (requested)
-- Certificate of a recent (within 12 months) physical examination
Private Schools:
Information on private and independent elementary and secondary schools in the National Capital Region is available through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Another excellent resource for additional information is the "Independent School Guide," a directory of over 300 private schools and educational programs for children that may be found in area bookstores and libraries.
Washington School Districts:
District of Columbia Public Schools
Arts & Technology Public Charter School Agency
Booker T. Washington Public Charter School Agency
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School Agency
Children Studio School Public Charter School Agency