Logistics of Sending your Child to School
Sending your child to public schools in the US does not come with any additional cost. Schooling is paid for through taxes that are factored into your rent payments. Children will be bussed, at no additional cost, from specific locations. The school will notify you of their pickup/drop off location once they are enrolled. If your housing is close to a school, buses may not be available.
Ages/Grades
Grade levels are based on the child’s age and previous academic performance. Nurses have expressed that grades their children were in in their home country may not match up to the US school system. Keep in mind that your child is not being held back if this happens. There are strict guidelines for ages in schools. A full school day for grades 1-12 averages 8 hours long, typically between 7am-4pm.
- Pre-kindergarten/Preschool
- Ages 3-5
- This is not required in most states. A lot of preschools are built into daycares, but some public schools offer it. Contact your public school system upon deployment for more information.
- Kindergarten
- Ages 5-6
- Typically offered in your public school system. Kindergarten is often half-day, so additional childcare arrangements may need to be made.
- College
Enrollment
Enrolling your child in school through an immigrant lens! Links to an external site.
Enrolling your children in public schools looks different in every city/town. Your apartment complex will have information available about the schools your children will attend. Below are some requirements and things to keep in mind for enrollment.
- Transcripts
- If possible, bring previous transcripts for your children. This will help in the testing and placement process into grades, courses, and guide if your child needs additional educational assistance.
- Vaccine requirements
- States require students to be vaccinated. Most common requirements include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR), Polio, Chickenpox.
- For more information on required immunizations and exemptions, please visit the CDC’s School Vaccine websiteLinks to an external site..
- Physical Exam
- Schools may require a doctor to perform a physical exam of your children prior to enrolling. This is to ensure that your child is in good health prior to starting.
- Testing
- School districts may require your child to take placement tests prior to being enrolled in a grade.
- This may include English language proficiency, math placement tests, and evaluation by a professional.
- Proof of residency
- Bring proof of residency to your enrollment appointment.
- This includes a copy of your lease agreement or a bill with your name on it.
- Schools may require your child’s social security number or Visa.
Financial Requirements
- Parents are responsible for purchasing school supplies for each of their children.
- Average cost is $230 USD per child to purchase school supplies.
- Example of School Supply ListLinks to an external site.
- Depending on the school district, they may require purchase of textbooks or electronics to access textbooks (laptops, iPads, etc.).
- Some districts require uniforms for class or for gym class.
- School districts have enacted “pay to play”. If your child wants to participate in a sport at the school, you will be asked to pay a set amount of money, per child, per sport, for them to participate. Some clubs and organizations require fundraising, which is an added expense for parents.
- You can pack your child’s lunch or send them to school with money to purchase lunch. The average cost of a school lunch is $3 USD per person.