Alexandria City Public Schools is making a push to get new students registered in time for the new school year.
The city’s public school system has already seen 1,637 early student registrations between April 15 and July 1, a 15.5% increase of early new student registrations compared to April 23 and July 1 last year. Over 900 families have been fully registered or are completing enrollment.
The first day of school for ACPS will be Monday, Aug. 24, while Monday, July 27 marks the first day for Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School.
“Starting school is a big milestone, especially for our youngest learners and their families,” ACPS Chief of Staff Grace Taylor said. “When families register early, it gives us the opportunity to connect with them sooner, answer questions and make sure they feel welcomed and informed every step of the way.”
Kindergarten accounts for more than 90% of new student registrations. However, ACPS noted language barriers, limited knowledge of U.S. public education and access to information and technology may lead to registration delays.
“This impacts effective classroom planning, teacher hiring, class size management and ultimately leading to a first day registration rush — not allowing students to transition smoothly and leaving students, families and school staff experiencing challenges,” ACPS said.
Families can use the new student registration resource to confirm if their child meets age eligibility (5 years old by Sept. 30 for kindergarten) and learn about other requirements. ACPS has an attendance zone locator tool to help families find their school attendance zone.
Once families complete online registration, they must call the school or contact the school registrar to schedule a time to visit and present required documents to complete registration.
ACPS provides registration assistance in the division’s top five languages (English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Dari) but advises English learners in first to 12th grade are advised to visit the ACPS central office for registration support.
Staff will also host a new student registration event from 2-6 p.m. Monday (July 27) at the ACPS Family and Community Engagement (FACE) center (1701 N. Beauregard St. Door 12, sixth floor). Families should bring an original copy of their child’s birth certificate and parent or legal guardian’s photo identification.
The FACE center will have registration office hours at the FACE center from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday until Friday, Aug. 21.
