Back to School: A Guide to Enrolling Your Child in School
by Erin Single, Emory University Graduate
In the United States, primary and secondary schooling are divided into three separate levels. The state of Georgia requires that children attend school at least between the ages of 6 and 16, but due to the importance of education in this society, as much schooling as possible is recommended. Students attend school five days a week with the weekends off. School hours are generally from 8:30AM until 3:30PM.
The school system in this country probably is different than the one in your home country, so it is key that you speak with a school counselor to make sure your child has been placed in the correct school and grade level.
When to Enroll
Registration is an on-going process in the Dekalb County School System. The week of June 13-June 19 has been designated as the week of registration for new students in the summer; however, parents can enroll their children at any time during the normal school work week. Registration takes place at the school your child will attend.
How to Enroll
Children from out of the country must enroll through international program first before attending their home school. To do this, you must present the following documents to the registrar at your school:
- Green card /INS card
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate or Proof of Guardianship
- Proof of Residency—This can be in the form of a gas, light, water bill, a signed lease or mortgage contract, or an official business letter from the guardian’s place of employment mailed to them at their place of residence. You cannot use your phone or cable bill.
- Certificate of Immunization—This is available at your doctor’s office
- Hearing/Dental/and Vision Exam—This is also available at your doctor’s office.
- Photo ID of the parent or guardian enrolling the child
Elementary School
Ages 5-10 Grades K-5
Your child must be five years old on or before September 1 to be enrolled in kindergarten.
Your child must be six years old on or before September 1 to be enrolled in the first grade.
The elementary schools in your area are:
- Allgood Elementary
- Dunaire Elementary
- Indian Creek Elementary
- Jolly Elementary
Your children will attend a certain elementary school based on the zoning of your residence in a particular school’s attendance area.
Middle School
Ages 11-14 Grades 6-8
The middle school in your area is Freedom Middle School.
High School
Ages 15-18 Grades 9-12
The high school in your area is Clarkston High School.
You can find this information and more on the Dekalb County Schools website:
http://www.dekalb.k12.georgia.us/newsroom/newcomer/ |
