Student Registration

• Registration is available for children who are between ages 5 and 18 on Sept. 30 of the current school year.
• Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and English Learners may be eligible for school until age 22.
• Limited services are available for students over 18.

• Children who turn five years old by September 30th of the current school year may enter kindergarten.
• Kindergarten is recommended, but not required by law.
  • Families that choose not to enroll their student in Kindergarten must inform the Office of Elementary Education and Early Childhood Pre-K Programs in writing (Send correspondence to: 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204 or [email protected])
• Virginia Law requires all children who will turn six years old by Sept. 30 to enroll in school.
• Learn about Kindergarten.

Families who speak a language other than English should start the registration process at the APS Welcome Center (2110 Washington Blvd., 1st floor).

The Welcome Center provides:

• Language Assessment for students whose first language, home language or spoken language is not English
• Registration assistance for any family
• Registration documents translated into our primary languages
• Interpretation services through the registration process and throughout a student’s education in APS
  • Learn more about interpretation services

• 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.

Option schools and programs offer specialized instruction as an alternative to the designated neighborhood school. Interested students must complete an online application during a specific time period.

New APS families interested in applying to an option school are encouraged to register for their neighborhood school.

• If a space in an option school is offered to a family, the registration documentation provided will be transferred to the option school.
• If a student is placed on a waitlist for an option school, registering at their neighborhood school guarantees they will have a space for the upcoming school year.

Contact 703-228-8000 (option 1) or [email protected] prior to registration if:

• Enrolling a child for whom you are not the Parent or Legal Guardian (Kinship Care)
• Student is an unaccompanied minor
• Student is being placed by Social Services
• Student is 18 or over

Complex Living Situations
If you are student or family experiencing homelessness or are unstably housed, please contact:

• •  Project Extra Step at 703-228-6046 or [email protected]