Enroll in a School

It is time to begin the DCPS enrollment process for the 2011-2012 school year. We continue to work toward making the improvements you have requested and your children deserve.

DCPS offers multiple program options for students in all wards, such as the Catalyst arts integration, world languages and culture, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs.

Test scores are up and our early childhood classrooms continue to expand with the rising demand for seats.

For the first time since 1969, DCPS has shown overall enrollment increases of close to 1,000 students.

I am confident that these and other changes are making DCPS a better school system. Based on positive feedback and increasing awareness of school needs from the last two school years, we’re starting the enrollment process early this year.

Why is it important to enroll early?

Early enrollment helps us project the number of students for each school, which allows us to hire the proper number of staff and order the correct number of textbooks and supplies.

Ultimately, early enrollment helps facilitate a smooth opening to the 2011-2012 school year. Enrollment at DCPS continues to increase thanks in large part to our efforts at this preemptive process.

Recently, you have received an enrollment packet in the mail. Please fill out the forms and bring them to your child’s school as soon as possible.

Families of special education students who receive funds from DCPS to attend non-public schools may return their forms to the Office of Special Education (1200 First St. NE, 9th floor) or to their non-public school.

In an effort to make the application easier for families to complete, we have cut the number of pages in the enrollment packet while we continue to work toward a paperless registration. To further assist you in completing the packet, DCPS has provided your family with enrollment forms that already include some of your basic information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school directly or the DCPS Central Office at 202-442-5885.

Thank you for choosing to send your child to one of our schools for the 2011 – 2012 school year. I look forward to continuing to work with you to meet your child’s learning needs and plan for an engaging school year next year.

Sincerely,

Kaya Henderson
Chancellor

How Do I Get Started?

• Learn about our schools by visiting our school profiles page. 

• You can also explore programs by grade.

• Learn about specialized programs available in schools.

• Fill out your enrollment forms and deliver to your school.

How do I get copies of the enrollment form?

If you are a current DCPS family, you will receive the enrollment form packet by mail in early April 2011.

If you are new to DCPS, you can obtain copies by visiting your school directly or downloading the forms online.

If you have any questions about the enrollment process, please contact the Critical Response Team at (202) 478-5738. Team members are standing by to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Helpful links: 

• Enrollment Forms for DCPS
• Post-Lottery FAQ for Pre-School, Pre-K and Out-of-Boundary
• Homeless Children and Youth Program
• Non-Traditional and Transfer Student Placement