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Learn About Kindergarten, Neighborhood Schools and Option Schools

Arlington Public Schools (APS) invites all families entering elementary school in the fall of 2023 to view a video presentation, Welcome to Kindergarten!, on Mon, Jan. 30, 2023, to learn:

  • How to prepare for Kindergarten and what to expect
  • How to register for your assigned neighborhood school online or in person
  • About elementary option schools and the application process
  • About the APS Extended Day program and how to register.

In-person Elementary School Information Sessions

  • Each elementary school will host an in-person information session in February and March 2023. Learn about each school, connect with staff, and ask questions.

Option Schools

Option elementary schools/programs offer specialized educational instruction. APS provides students the opportunity to attend an option school/program as an alternative to attending their assigned neighborhood school. If more applications are received than seats available, APS will conduct a lottery to determine admission. Learn more.

  • Application Window: Students interested in attending an option elementary school/program must submit an online application between Feb. 1 and April 17, 2023. 

All students interested in applying to an option school/program should also register for their neighborhood school as early as possible.

  • If a student is offered a space in an option school, the registration will be transferred to the option school.
  • If a student is placed on a waitlist for an option school, registering at a neighborhood school guarantees the student will have a space for the upcoming school year.
  • Early neighborhood school registrations support APS with staffing projects and allocating resources.

More News

ALAS Principal and Student of the Year

The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) has named Carlos Ramirez of Randolph Elementary as 2024 Principal of the Year, and Dafnee Alexandra Marquez Padilla at the Arlington Career Center the 2024 Student of the Year. 

HQ2 prepares to welcome Arlington Community High School to Metropolitan Park in 2026

As part of our commitment to providing a home for Arlington Community High School by 2026, we are finalizing plans to welcome more than 250 ACHS students, faculty, and staff to HQ2’s Metropolitan Park in time for the 2026-27 school year.