To register your child in a Baltimore City Public School you will need to meet age eligibility (for kindergarten students) and residency requirements. This article explains the needed documentation and steps for registration.
Here's How:
- Determine age eligibility.
Starting with the 2002-2003 school year, Maryland changed age requirements for children entering kindergarten. The new age requirements were phased in over several years. As of the 2007-2008 school year, the rules require that a child must age 5 by Sept. 1 to be enrolled in kindergarten. Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland.
- Locate correct school.
Use the school system's school locator on its website or call the Office of Student Placement at 410-396-8600 (weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to determine which is your zoned school. Children in grades K-8 are expected to attend their zoned school, though transfers to out-of-zone schools are possible. Student Transfer Application
- Options outside your zoned school.
Students may apply to one of Baltimore City's almost two dozen charter schools. While some of these are new institutions created as charter schools, many are zoned public schools that have a different curriculum than other city schools. They all have different admission processes.
For high school, Baltimore City has long had citywide schools with entrance criteria in addition to its zoned schools. Now, Baltimore City also has citywide high schools without entrance criteria. Any student can apply to a citywide school without entrance criteria. Baltimore City High School Guide
- Contact the school.
Schools are open during the summer. Contact the school in which you will register your child and make an appointment.
- Gather needed documentation.
Registration in a Baltimore City School requires:
- Proof of address in Baltimore City – Acceptable proof includes at least two of the following: utility bill, rent receipt, bank statement or lease in guardian’s name. Also an Address Certification Form may be used in some cases.
- Birth certificate
- Immunization form signed by a physician More on required vaccinations in Maryland
- Most recent report card (not for kindergarten students)
- Maryland Student Transfer Record, if transferring from aMaryland public school
