Enrolling your kids in a US public school
Public school is free from kindergarten through 12th grade, and children living in the district can attend regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status; schools can’t deny enrollment for lacking a Social Security number. Schools usually ask for proof of age, proof of address, vaccination records and past school records, but often accept alternatives. Contact the district’s enrollment or welcome center, and ask about English learner support, interpreters and free school meals.
Your checklist
- Public school is free, K–12
- Every child in the district can attend
- Gather age, address and vaccine records
- Contact the district welcome center
- Ask about English learner help
- Ask about free school meals
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A right for every child
Public school is free from kindergarten through 12th grade. Children who live in the district have the right to attend regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status. Schools may ask for a Social Security number but can’t deny enrollment without one.
What schools usually ask for
- Proof of age: a birth certificate or other document.
- Proof you live in the district: a lease, utility bill or similar.
- Vaccination records: if you don’t have them, ask how to catch up; many schools give time.
- Past school records, if available.
If you’re missing documents, ask what alternatives the district accepts.
Where to start
Contact your school district’s enrollment office. Many have welcome centers for new families that help with placement and testing.
Language help
Schools must support students learning English and communicate with parents in a language they understand, often through interpreters.
Meals and support
Ask about free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, and about counseling or tutoring.
Without stable housing
Children without a fixed home can enroll immediately, even without usual documents. Ask for the district’s homeless liaison.
Official sources, and where to look
- U.S. Department of Education: resources for newcomer familiesed.gov
- USDA: school mealsfns.usda.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: English learnersed.gov
[your city] school district enrollment[your district] welcome center new families
Common questions
Do I need to show immigration papers to enroll my child?
No. Schools can’t deny enrollment based on immigration status. They may ask for proof of age and address. More ›
What grade will my child be placed in?
Usually based on age and past schooling. Schools may assess skills, including English level. More ›
Can my child go to public school if we’re undocumented?
Yes. Children living in the district have the right to attend public school regardless of immigration status. More ›
What documents do I need to enroll my child in school?
Usually proof of age, proof of address in the district, vaccination records and past school records. Districts often accept alternatives if you’re missing some. More ›
Does the school need my child’s Social Security number?
Schools may ask, but they can’t deny enrollment if you don’t provide one. More ›
What is English learner support?
Services that help students learn English while keeping up in school. Schools must provide them to eligible students. More ›
Find family and education help
District welcome centers and community groups can help.
No one is listed here yet. Check back soon.
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.