US public schools: districts, attendance zones and state ratings

This guide is for parents moving to the US who are looking at public schools, based on US Department of Education and state sources.

Enrol with the district, with proof of address

US public schools enrol through the local school district. Schools may ask for proof of address (such as a utility bill), proof of age and immunisation records. The US Department of Education says all children have the right to free public education regardless of citizenship or residency status, and schools cannot require documents that block enrolment.

Your address decides the school

Your address decides the assigned (base) school. Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, for example, publishes an address locator and boundary maps. Check before signing a lease, and remember boundaries can change.

Reading state ratings

• Texas: TEA gives A-F ratings from three domains (student achievement, school progress, closing the gaps); see TXschools.gov.
• California: instead of one grade, the School Dashboard shows a colour from Blue to Red for each indicator such as graduation, academics, English learner progress and chronic absenteeism.

Always read ratings with their year.

Children still learning English

Public schools must identify and assess English learners and provide language support. Enrolment usually includes a Home Language Survey and, if indicated, an English assessment. Schools must communicate with parents in a language they understand, and parents may decline services.

Checklist

• Have you checked the assigned school for your new address?
• Are your enrolment documents (address, age, immunisations) ready?
• Have you read the state rating with its year?
• Have you asked how English learner support works?
• Have you checked the district's age cut-off?

Ask the school

• The document list and immunisation requirements
• How English learner support works and when it ends
• Attendance boundaries and any planned changes

Procedures differ by district, so check the district's latest guidance.