Enrollment and Transfer

The following procedures apply when enrolling and transferring students in the Baltimore City Public School System.

Point 1-Age Requirements:
For children entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or first grade:  A.) Pre-kindergarten: Children entering pre-kindergarten for the 2007-2008 school year must be four years old by September 1, 2006.  B.) Kindergarten: Children entering kindergarten must be at least five years of age by September 1, 2007. The BCPSS is expected to comply with the state law concerning mandatory kindergarten. The law lowered the minimum age for compulsory school attendance to five years of age and requires that children attend kindergarten before entering the first grade.  C.) First grade: Children entering first grade must be six years old by September 30, 2007.

According to Maryland State Board of Education regulations, a one-year exemption from school attendance may be granted if the parent or legal guardian believes that a delay in school attendance is in the best interest of the child. The exemption is also permitted for five-year-old children enrolled in a full-time licensed child care center, full-time registered family day care home, or part-time or full-time Head Start program. Questions regarding early school admission to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade programs may be directed to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Office of Early Learning, 410-396-6602.

Point 2-The Zoned School: Generally, a student entering the BCPSS for the first time must enroll in the zoned school, based on his/her legal residence, which is usually the address of the parent or legal guardian.

Point 3-Address Documentation: Proof of address in Baltimore City must include at least two of the following: gas, electric, water, or telephone bill; rent receipt; bank statement; or verifiable lease agreement. The documentation must have the parent or legal guardian's name imprinted. The parent or legal guardian must present this documentation to the zoned school. Any exceptions must be addressed by the Office of Student Placement. Parents residing with relatives or friends must follow the guidelines outlined in the Address Certification Form, which McKinny-Vento Act can be obtained from the school. Schools must register homeless individuals under the guidelines. Homeless questions should be directed to the Homeless Coordinator at (410) 396-8912.

Point 4-Birth Certificate: The parent or legal guardian must bring an original or certified copy of the child's birth certificate at the time he/she is scheduled for registration and/or Title I screening.

Point 5-Immunization Record: The Maryland State Immunization Regulations require that children who are starting school have the appropriate immunization shots. For each new entrant, a Maryland Immunization Certificate, Form 896, is required by law so that immunization information may be recorded in the school file. Children will not be enrolled in school unless they have had the required immunization shots.

Point 6-Maryland Student Record Card: The appropriate card must be completed for each new entrant, regardless of grade level. The card records information about the student's instructional program and related services.

Point 7-Transfers: The parent or legal guardian of any elementary or secondary student may request a transfer from the current school by completing a "Student Transfer Application," which is available at the student's current school or on the website. Click Here to access Student Transfer Application. Such transfer requests may be based on, but are not limited to, child care arrangements, caretaker situations, hardships, or other special circumstances. The school forwards the application to the Office of Student Placement, and the Office of Student Placement sends written notification of the student's school assignment to the parent or legal guardian as well as the sending and receiving school principals. The student must remain enrolled at the current school until the parent or legal guardian receives written notification of the transfer decision. (Note: Change of address transfers are to be handled between the current zoned school principal and the new zoned school principal at any time during the school year.)

The Office of Student Placement is available to assist you with any issues regarding enrollment and transfer. You are welcome to walk in for services and may schedule an appointment if needed. With questions please call the Office of Student Placement at (410) 396-8600 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.