Registrations are currently being accepted for the 2022-23 school year. Only students new to APS need to register.
How to register:
- Online. (Requires uploading documents and setting up a virtual or in-person meeting with an APS Registrar.)
- At your neighborhood elementary school. Contact the school to schedule an appointment or to submit registration documents.
- The APS Welcome Center, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 703-228-8000 and select option 3 (Registration) to schedule an appointment.
This overview of registration requirements is also provided in the Guidebook for Parents, available for elementary, middle, and high school families.
Age Requirement
- Registration is available for a school year to children who are between ages 5 and 18 on Sept. 30 of that school year.
- Students with an IEP and English Learners may be eligible for school until age 22.
- Limited services are available for students over 18. Contact the APS Welcome Center at 703-228-8000 or registration@apsva.us for more information.
Additional Registration Information
- APS does not register students who have terminal diplomas.
- Registration begins Feb. 1 for the following school year.
- There is no deadline for registration; however, parents are encouraged to register early.
- All registration and health requirements must be met for a child to be enrolled.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is recommended, but not required by law. However, you must inform the school system in writing if you decide not to register your child. If your child will be six years old by Sept. 30, Virginia Law requires you to enroll your child in school. Please send your correspondence to the Office of Elementary Education and Early Childhood Pre-K Programs at 2110 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22204 or earlychildhood@apsva.us.
Families registering students with the following special circumstances are encouraged to contact APS for guidance.
| Special Circumstance | Who to contact prior to registration |
|
APS Welcome Center at 703-228-8000 or registration@apsva.us |
| Homeless Liaison at 703-228-6046 or alicia.flores@apsva.us |
Documents Needed to Register Your Child
- One primary document supporting residency
- And any two of the following supporting documents that show your name and address:
- Current federal state or property tax returns
- Current payroll or withholding statement
- Vehicle registration
- Current utility bills
- Valid Virginia driver’s license with current address
- Documentation of financial assistance from Arlington County.
Proof of student’s age and legal name – an original birth certificate or certified copy translated into English, if necessary.
- If the birth certificate is not available, families should submit the Proof Of Student Identity and Age Affidavit instead. Note: The affidavit is only good 30 days and requires additional supporting documents such as the child’s passport.
Valid government-issued identification for the parent – a government-issued ID can only be used to verify identity.
Additional Educational Documents
- Current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
- English Learner or Gifted records
- School records or official transcripts from the previous school attended
- If you are registering your child for Kindergarten, complete the Pre-K Experience Form English | Spanish
Health Requirements
- New elementary students need:
- School Entrance Health Form English | Spanish
- Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Form
- Rising 7th graders need:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap)
- Meningococcal (MenACWY)
- First dose HPV vaccine
- NEW: Rising 12th graders need:
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) booster (given after age 16)
- The student’s medical information (examination, immunizations and tuberculosis screening) must be submitted on a Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form (Fillable PDF). The immunization record should list the month, day and year of immunization for the minimum requirements for entry to school. This form must be completed no longer than one year before your child’s entry into school.
- Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form (Fillable PDF)
- Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form (Non-Fillable PDF) English | Spanish
- Tuberculosis Screening Certificate completed within the 12 months prior to school entry is required. This documentation must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or local health department official. The documentation must include verification of a negative risk assessment or the results of a tuberculin skin test (TST) done within the prior 12 months. The original documentation must be submitted to the child’s school.
- For students who plan to participate in high school sports, the VHSL physical form for high school athletic eligibility and the APS Athletic Participation Agreement must be completed.
- If your child will need medications or special procedures during school, you may visit the Arlington County School Health webpage for additional forms, including a Medication Authorization Form and a Severe Allergy Care Plan.
Please note: Effective July 1, 2019, a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the seventh grade (instead of the sixth grade as in previous years).
Questions can be answered by the nurse at the school(s) your child(ren) attend or by contacting the School Health Bureau at 703-228-1200.
Option Schools & Transfers
There are many Option Schools available within Arlington Public Schools for new and current students. Neighborhood transfers are available to the extent possible given capacity limits and financial constraints. The Superintendent’s Annual Update to the School Board will identify the number of seats available during the following school year for neighborhood schools that can accept transfers. Please visit the School Options & Transfers page for additional information.
For additional information or questions, please contact the APS Welcome Center at 703-228-8000 or registration@apsva.us
