Requirements for Enrollment In Virginia Public School System


Special Section: Back to School 2009

In order to enroll a child in a public school system in Virginia, state law requires a parent or guardian of a child to provide certain information to the child’s school division. The required information is listed below:

Birth Certificate
An official certified copy of the child’s birth record must be provided. (A photocopy will not meet this requirement.) At the time of enrollment, the child must be five years of age or reach his/her fifth birthday on or before Sept. 30 of the school year.

Street Address
Documentation of the street address or route number of the child’s residence must be provided. If no street address or route number exists for the child’s residence, a post office box number must be provided.

School Entrance Health Form
A School Entrance Health Form, MCH 213F, completed by a licensed physician, licensed nurse practitioner, or licensed physician’s assistant regarding the child, must be presented at the time of enrollment. The three-part form includes Part I-Health Information Form, Part II Certification of Immunization, and Part III-Comprehensive Physical Examination Report. The report must indicate that the child has received a comprehensive physical examination performed within the twelve months prior to the date the child first enters a public kindergarten or elementary school (K-5). The physical examination report must include “Recommendations to School” and other information as required by school division policy.

Immunizations Documentation
Part II of the School Entrance Health Form MCH 213F indicating that the child has received the required immunizations for their age must be provided.

Social Security Number
The child’s federal social security number must be provided upon enrollment or within 90 days thereafter.

Individual Education Plan
Copies of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) must be submitted for children who require Special Education or have developmental disabilities. This includes any partial or completed evaluative testing performed by previous schools.

For more information about school enrollment requirements, visit www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Parents/studentenrollment.html.

Education specialists at Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers have additional information and phone numbers for area schools and community agencies.

Some Hampton Roads area schools require children rent or purchase their textbooks. The rental amount varies by school district or grade and must be paid upon enrollment. The rental fees usually range between $10 and $35 per year, per student. •