Enroll a child in public school

Public school in the United States is free from around age 5 through to age 18, and every child living in a district has the right to attend, regardless of their or their parents' immigration status. This was settled by the Supreme Court in 1982 and applies everywhere.

Cost

Free; some fees for activities and materials

Ages

Roughly 5–18, varying by state

Assigned by

The address you live at

Enroll

Any time of year — do not wait for autumn

Which school

Children are normally assigned to a school by home address. School quality varies substantially between districts, which is why families research the district before choosing where to rent. Most areas also offer charter or magnet schools with their own application processes and, often, waiting lists.

What the school may ask for

• Proof of address — a lease or a utility bill
• The child's birth certificate or another proof of age
• Immunisation records. Vaccination requirements are strict and are the most common reason enrollment is delayed. Bring the records translated; the school nurse can arrange missing vaccines, often free.
• Previous school records, translated if possible

Which year group

Children are usually placed by age rather than by prior attainment, so expect your child to join the year their birthday indicates even if the curriculum in your country ran ahead or behind. Placement is not a judgement of ability, and schools generally resist holding a child back a year.

Records from the previous school help the school place your child correctly within subjects, particularly in mathematics where levels differ most between countries. Where transcripts are unavailable, say so — schools assess and place children with no records at all every year.

Support for children learning English

Schools are legally required to identify students who are learning English and to provide support — usually an ESL programme or bilingual instruction. Your child will be assessed on enrollment. This is not remedial or punitive; it is a service, and it is free.

Ask what the programme actually involves, how progress is measured, and how a child exits it. Good programmes have clear answers.

Free meals

Most districts offer free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch based on household income, and many now offer them to all students. Applications are confidential and are not shared with immigration authorities. The form is short and is worth completing even if you are unsure you qualify — in many districts it also unlocks waived fees for activities, sports and technology.

Your rights as a parent

• Interpretation and translated documents at no cost — schools receiving federal funds must communicate with you in a language you understand. Ask; do not let a child interpret a serious conversation about their own schooling.
• Access to your child's records
• A voice in special education decisions, if your child is assessed as needing extra support. You must consent before an evaluation, and you may request one yourself in writing if you believe your child needs it.

Before age 5, and after 18

Head Start is a free federal preschool programme for low-income families. Many states additionally fund universal pre-kindergarten. Both have limited places and open enrollment periods, so apply early.

For older teenagers who have aged out or arrived late, adult schools and community colleges offer high school equivalency and English classes — see free English classes and adult education and community college and university.