How To Enroll Your Child in School in Montgomery County, Maryland

Determine the student's eligibility.
Children age 5 by October 31, 2004 and not age 21 on the first day of school are eligible for enrollment.

Public School attendance is required for all children once age of elegibility is reached. However, the residence requirements for attendance is carefully monitored by the Montgomery County Department of Education. It is not unusual for parents of children who do not reside in Montgomery County to attempt to benefit from Montgomery County public school attendance. Therefore, if you and your child are Montgomery County residents, be prepared to verify that residence.

Children age 5 by September 1 and not age 21 on the first day of school are eligible for enrollment.

More: Age and attendance requirements

If the child is not a U.S. citizen and has not attended a U.S. school continuously for the past two years, or is a U.S. citizen who has been attending a non-U.S. school overseas, contact Residency and International Admissions at 301-230-0686.

Attendance
According to Maryland law (7-301: Compulsory Attendance), every child between the ages of 5 and 16 must attend school. All children who will be 5 years old by the dates listed above must attend school in either a licensed private or public school Kindergarten. State law allows for 3 exceptions: for immaturity, for attendance in a licensed child-care center, or for attendance in a registered family day-care home.

Parents or guardians who want an exemption to the law must complete MCPS Form 560-19: Exemption to Kindergarten Attendance at their local school prior to the first day of school. Questions about this process should be directed to the local school or to the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services at 301-230-0691.

If the child is not a U.S. citizen and has not attended a U.S. school continuously for the past two years, or is a U.S. citizens who has been attending a non-U.S. school overseas, contact the International Student Admissions Office at 301-230-0686.

If the child does not live with a parent, legal guardian, or certified relative, contact the Residency Compliance Office at 301-315-7324.

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