United States public school guide

How to choose a public school

• Your address decides the district and the school

  Public schools are run by school districts, and each address is assigned a school (attendance zone). Before signing a lease, check the elementary, middle and high school for that exact address with the district's lookup tool; boundaries can change.

  Source:Fairfax County Public Schools (checked 2026-10-29)U.S. Department of Education (NCELA) (checked 2026-10-29)

• Charter and magnet schools take separate applications

  Depending on the district or state, charter schools and magnet programmes are public options you apply to separately from your zoned school. Check application windows and lotteries with the district or school. Charter districts are marked in our lists.

  General guidance · confirm with the district or school

• Private and international schools are alternatives

  Fee-paying private and international schools accept applications regardless of address. Compare them in the school search for the same city.

  General guidance · confirm with the district or school

Reading official ratings

• Each state rates schools its own way

  Texas (TEA) publishes A–F grades with a 0–100 score for districts and campuses each year; California shows five colours per indicator (Blue to Red) instead of one grade. For other states, read the state education department's school report card.

  Source:Texas Education Agency (checked 2026-10-29)California Department of Education (checked 2026-10-29)

• We show only published ratings, with their year

  Texas shows the TEA rating; other states show only official test results we hold, with the year. We publish no ranking of our own.

  Source:Texas Education Agency (checked 2026-10-29)

English support

• English-learner support is the school's duty

  Enrolment starts with a Home Language Survey and, if indicated, an English assessment. Schools must identify English learners, provide a language assistance programme and communicate with parents in a language they understand; parents may decline services.

  Source:U.S. Department of Education (NCELA) (checked 2026-10-29)

Timeline

• School-year start and mid-year enrolment

  The start date is in each district's calendar, and you can enrol during the year. In New York State, for example, a child is enrolled on the next school day or as soon as practicable, with residency documents due within three business days.

  Source:New York State Education Department (checked 2026-10-31)

• Prepare immunisation records early

  Each state sets its own vaccines and doses, so prepare English copies of your records and check with the district's health staff early. See state rules in the enrolment steps below.

  Source:Texas Department of State Health Services (checked 2026-10-31)California Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

Fees and visas

• Public school is free; the F-1 student visa is the exception

  According to the US State Department, public-school restrictions apply to F-1 student visas; dependants of most nonimmigrant visa holders, including F-1, may attend public primary schools. F-1 students in public high school face a time limit and tuition rules.

  Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.

  Source:U.S. Department of State (checked 2026-10-29)

Enrolment steps

Follow them in order. Each step carries its official source and the date we checked it.

1. 1

   Find the zoned school

   Enter the home address in the district's boundary lookup to see the assigned elementary, middle and high school. Use the address-lookup link on each district page.

   Source:Fairfax County Public Schools (checked 2026-10-29)

2. 2

   Gather documents

   Districts commonly ask for proof of address (lease, utility bill), proof of age (birth certificate or passport), immunisation records and prior school records in English. The exact list is on the district's enrolment page.

   Source:U.S. Department of Education (NCELA) (checked 2026-10-29)

3. 3

   Register with the district

   Apply at the district enrolment office or online. The US Department of Education says every child has equal access to free public education regardless of citizenship or residency status, and schools cannot require documents that block enrolment.

   Source:U.S. Department of Education (NCELA) (checked 2026-10-29)

4. 4

   English assessment and support

   After the Home Language Survey, an English assessment may follow, and ESL/ELL support is set from the result.

   Source:U.S. Department of Education (NCELA) (checked 2026-10-29)

5. 5

   Grade and course placement

   Prior school records decide grade and course placement. High-school students should discuss credit for Korean transcripts with the school counselor early.

   General guidance · confirm with the district or school

This page organises official information. It does not decide eligibility or placement.

Districts by state or region

• California2,040 districts
• Texas1,211 districts
• New York1,102 districts
• Illinois960 districts
• Michigan886 districts
• Pennsylvania754 districts
• New Jersey694 districts
• Massachusetts397 districts
• North Carolina338 districts
• Washington338 districts
• Georgia236 districts
• Virginia209 districts
• Colorado186 districts
• Maryland26 districts
• Nevada22 districts
• Hawaii1 districts