Register for School!
School registration is important to student and school success. Register your child in your local public school as soon as possible.
When do Kids Start Kindergarten?
Texas children start kindergarten at age 5, but they can begin attending pre-k as early as age 3. Enrollment for elementary school kindergarten programs begin in the fall of the year prior to the child’s first day of school. Find our direct links to Kindergarten registration here.
Why Register Early?
Registration enables schools and families to prepare. Elementary school, middle school, and high school registration provides the school administration with the data they need to appropriately communicate with parents about important information. This can include things like helpful tips, school supply lists, orientation events, school uniforms or dress code requirements, and meet the teacher days. Registration starts the process for kindergarten readiness for those students who may not have attended pre-k or preschool.
Why Must you Re-register annually?
Re-registration is equally important as the initial registration. School administration can re-verify residency, phone numbers, parent contact information, changes in family life, as well as income changes for possible financial assistance.
It is especially important for those students transitioning from the remote learning or home school environment during the pandemic into their regular local public schools.
Steps to Register Your Child for Elementary School
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Find your school district and school.
Use our easy School Finder Tool! -
Call the school.
- Confirm that they are the right school for your child’s age and address.
- Find out when you can visit the school. -
Get your child the required immunizations.
- See the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunization Schedule. - For information on immunization exemptions, see DSHS Vaccine Exemption FAQ.
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Visit the school and submit documentation.
- Bring Immunization records, proof of residence, birth certificate, parent ID.
Other Things to Note:
If you are moving from a different public school, request that the previous school sends your child’s records to the new school.
If you need your child’s birth certificate, order one through the Texas.gov Vital Records Application. For assistance in paying for the birth certificate, call 211 to learn about eligibility requirements.
Find out about your school’s extra services like free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches, special education services, afterschool programs, etc.
Top 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a School for Your Child
Public schools provide clear directions on how to register or re-enroll your child into school. Prior to filling out their online applications, we’ve provided guidance to help you choose and organize which school and program is the right fit for your child. We’ve included direct links to school district registration pages as well as a list of questions to help with the research process.
Location
Teacher Qualifications
Counselors
Curriculum
Technology
Variety
Learning Styles
After school
Professional Development
Transparency
Extracurricular activities and magnet and academy programs set public schools apart from others by offering numerous academic opportunities like Fine Arts, STEM, and CTE, as well as athletic programs and school-sponsored organizations and clubs.
Public schools provide unmatched access to a wide array of programs including special education, gifted and talented resources, and bilingual classrooms.
Public schools may offer after-school and before-school programs directly through the school campus or by partnering with after-school or childcare businesses.
Additional Registration Resources:
Texas Project First– For parents of children with disabilities
National School Lunch Program– Find out if you qualify for free or reduced-price meals
TEA Foster Care & Student Success-– Services for children in foster care
Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth– Services for homeless or displaced children
TEA Special Student Populations- Migrant– Services and assistance for migrant children
TEA Special Student Populations- Dyslexic– Assistance for children with dyslexia
Elementary Schools Near Me– Go Public
