Home
>
Schools
> Enrollment and Registration
 How to Enroll Your Child
Note: Any student who was born outside of the U.S. or needs ESOL services, should contact the International Student Registration Center at 410-313-1525 (Korean/English) or 410-313-7102 (Spanish/English).
Enrollment Requirements
- Students must be registered by their custodial parent (biological, adoptive, legal guardian).
- Parents must live in the school attendance area of the school in which they plan to enroll their student.
- The following documents are required at time of registration: (document checklist
 )
- Parent picture ID: driver's license, military ID, or passport.
- Signed original, current lease or deed with your address, valid dates, signatures.
- Current utility bill with name and address (non-cellular telephone, gas and electric, cable bill).
- Student's proof of birth (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, hospital certificate, passport, military ID).
- Proof of parental relationship, custody, or guardianship. If applicable, bring legal proof of custody (court order).
- Student's current proof of immunizations. (See Immunization Requirements below.)
- Student's most recent grade report, transcript, report card from last school attended at time of withdrawal, if applicable.
- Documentation of Special Education (IEP), 504, Psychological Report, or related services.
 For additional enrollment information, please view Frequently Asked Questions About Enrollment.
For additional kindergarten registration information, please view Kindergarten Registration.
 Immunization Requirements
Maryland
State immunization regulations require all students to have completed
their immunizations in order to attend school. Proof of the completed
immunization series must be provided before the first day of school. Required shots include:
The
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Immunization Certificate should be completed with the
dates of all vaccines by the health care provider or the health
department. A parent's signature is not permitted. Free immunization
is available from the Howard County Health Department.
Immunization Exceptions:
- A medical contraindication (exemptions
for specific immunizations) signed by a physician.
- A lost or destroyed record statement signed
by a parent. Proof of measles and rubella immunization by a blood
test must be presented. Revaccination may be required. For assistance,
contact the Howard County Health Department.
- A religious exemption statement signed
by a parent.
- A homeless student may be temporarily
admitted by the school principal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Enrollment
- What school should my child attend?
Your child is required to attend school in the attendance area in which you live. To verify your school's attendance area, visit HCPSS School Locator  . To view boundary lines of attendance areas - click here. For additional questions, contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682.
- How do I contact the school?
For a list of school contact information, click here.
- Who should I call for immunization questions?
Contact the health staff at the child's school or the HCPSS Health Services Office at 410-313-6812.
- My child was born in Maryland but I don't have a copy of his/her birth certificate?
For children in Maryland, a copy of a birth certificate can be obtained from the Howard County Health Department, 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive; 410-313-6300. Note: There is a charge for this service.
- Do I need to provide custody documents?
In the case of a divorce or separation, it is important for the school to have a copy of the information pertaining to custody. Students can ONLY be registered by the custodial parent living in Howard County.
- What if I am not the child's parent?
If you are not the child's parent, you must have court-ordered guardianship to register a student in Howard County Public Schools.
- What if we are moving soon? Can I register my child now at the school that serves that area?
If you are buying, building or leasing a home in another attendance area than where you live, contact the office that handles out-of-district requests at 410-313-6997.
- What if I don't have my own legal mailing address? (Special Living Arrangements)
If you don't have your own legal mailing address or have any "special" living arrangements (living with a relative until your home is built, sharing residence with another family, homeless, etc.), contact the Office of Pupil Personnel at 410-313-6646. Note: Special documentation must be on file.
- What if I can't find my deed?
You can obtain a copy of your deed from the Howard County Circuit Court Clerks' Land Records Department, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, 21045. Call 410-313-5850 or visit www.mdlandrec.net. Note: There is a charge for this service.
- What if I haven't settled on my house?
Contact the office that handles out-of-district requests at 410-313-6997.
- What if our house is still being built?
Contact the office that handles out-of-district requests at 410-313-6997.
- For any other questions regarding residency, multiple family living arrangements, homeless students or custody/guardianship issues, contact the Office of Pupil Personnel at 410-313-6646 or 410-313-6822.
|
