Education

School Registration

Registration Period
The deadline for enrollment or lottery application for each school or district.
  • Boston’s first enrollment open in January.
  • Many Charter school lottery applications are due in January and February
PreK or K1 (not mandatory)
  • Child must be 4 years old by August 31st or September 1st
PreK or K2 (not mandatory but competitive)
  • Child must be 5 years old by August 31st or September 1st
Grade- Mandatory for every child
  • Child must be 6 years old by August 31st or September 1st
  • Check age difference for your charter/private schools

Immigtant families do not have to show or proof citizenship (Green card, social security card or U.S. passport) for children to attend school. The only documentation for Proof of Residency is generally as listed below (please check with each district or school for exact requirements):
Proof of Age

  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport if born outside of US
Proof of Residency
  • Copy of Mortgage or Lease
  • Utility Bill
  • Parent ID
Immunization and Physical Exam
  • Required by first day of school
Registration Packets
  • Family information
  • Mass Health Form
  • Medical Release Form
  • Home Language Survey
  • MCAS/MEPA results
  • Individual Education Plan, 504 Plan or English Learner

School Options and Programs

AAAW offers workshop on educational programs and assists families with understanding school options and/or programs.
School Options
Public Schools (City/Town) – Ex: Malden
  • Public Funding
  • One District with various schools
  • Must meet state standards for each school
Charter Schools (Commonwealth or Horace Mann) – Ex: Benjamin Banneker
  • Public/Private funding
  • One school and runs in one building
  • Must meet stricter guidelines for state standards
  • Renewed every 5 years
  • Longer days and school year
Private
  • Private funding
  • Makes their own rules and how to operate. Does not have to use the state assessment or meet benchmarks
School Programs
Special Education
  • Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
  • Parents have to sign for IEP and 504 Plan for child eligibility.

English Language Learner

  • All students who have been assessed and determined eligible for these programs MUST be serviced or accommodated to meet federal and state mandates.
  • Parents can “opt-out” of ELL services but child can still be serviced if they are not progressing in English.
Enrichment or Advanced
  • Eligibility, Assessment and Placement
  • Gifted Program
  • Classroom Placement
  • Advanced Placement
  • Content Specific
  • Supplemental Education Services (SES)
  • Free After-school tutoring
  • Music; Arts; Dance; Physical Education; Theatre; Recess
  • Before school or after-school tutoring programs
  • Not available at every school or district
  • Ask about child’s choices in enrichment and placement