AACPS Enrollment Guide

Enrolling your child in Anne Arundel County Public Schools requires specific documentation and following the right process. This guide walks through what you need and when to do it.

Determining Your School Zone

School Assignment

Public schools are assigned by address. Your specific street address determines which elementary, middle, and high school your child attends.

Find Your School:

AACPS School Finder tool on website
Enter your exact address
Shows assigned elementary, middle, and high school
Verify before moving or buying property

Website: www.aacps.org/schools/findyourschool

Important: School boundaries can change. Always verify current assignment for your address.

Required Documentation

Proof of Residency

You must prove you live in Anne Arundel County. Acceptable documents include:

Primary Documents (one required):

Current lease agreement
Deed or mortgage statement
Property tax bill
Purchase contract with closing date

Secondary Documents (supporting):

Utility bills in parent/guardian name (last 30 days)
Maryland driver’s license or ID with county address
Mail with county address dated within 30 days
Bank statements with county address

Child Documentation

Required for all students:

Original birth certificate
Social Security card (if child has one)
Immunization records
Previous school records (if transferring)
Report cards and transcripts

Immunization Requirements:

Maryland state-mandated vaccines
Valid health certificate from physician
Records must be current and on official form
Homeschool students need different documentation

If Records Missing:

Contact previous school district
Request records be sent directly to AACPS
School can request on your behalf
Enroll conditionally while waiting

Parent/Guardian Documentation

Required:

Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Custody documents if applicable
Contact information (phone, email, address)

Special Circumstances:

Guardianship papers if not biological parent
Court documents for custody arrangements
Foster care documentation if applicable

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Contact Your School

Before Enrolling:

Call your assigned school
Ask about enrollment appointments
Confirm required documents
Ask about orientation sessions

What They’ll Tell You:

Specific document requirements
Appointment availability
Health screening needs
First day information

Step 2: Complete Paperwork

Enrollment Forms:

Student registration form
Emergency contact information
Health information form
Transportation request (if needed)
Meal program application (free/reduced lunch)

Where to Get Forms:

School website download
In-person at school office
District enrollment office

Step 3: Submit Documentation

Bring Original Documents:

Copies won’t be accepted
Originals will be verified and returned
Keep copies for your records

Enrollment Office Review:

Staff verify all documents
Note any missing items
Provide checklist of remaining requirements

Step 4: Health Screening

Health Requirements:

Maryland state health form required
Completed by licensed physician
Must be current (within one year)
Includes vision and hearing screening

Schedule Health Exam:

Pediatrician or family doctor
Bring school health form to appointment
Complete before enrollment if possible
Some schools offer on-site screenings

Step 5: Schedule First Day

Orientation:

Some schools offer new student orientation
Check with your specific school
Helps students and parents adjust

First Day Info:

Arrival time
What to bring
Schedule overview
Bus information (if applicable)

Enrollment Timeline

Summer Enrollment (July-August)

Best Time:

Enroll in June or July for September start
Easier to get appointments
More flexibility with documentation
Child has time to adjust

Year-Round Enrollment

Ongoing Process:

AACPS accepts enrollments throughout year
Transfers at any time
Fill classes as capacity allows
May not get specific school if full

After Moving to County

Timeline:

Enroll within 2 weeks of moving
School district expects timely enrollment
Don’t wait until school starts
Can start process before actually moving

Grade-Level Specifics

Kindergarten

Age Requirements:

Must turn 5 by September 1
Proof of age required (birth certificate)
Some schools offer pre-K options

Kindergarten Readiness:

Schools may assess readiness
Not required but helpful
Talk to school about expectations

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Transition Support:

Many schools offer transition programs
Meet teachers before school starts
Learn campus layout
Understand schedule changes

High School (Grades 9-12)

Credit Transfer:

Previous school transcripts reviewed
Credits may transfer or not
May need placement tests
Guidance counselor assigns courses

Graduation Requirements:

Maryland state requirements
AACPS additional requirements
Guidance counselor reviews plan

Special Programs Enrollment

Magnet Programs

Application Required:

Separate from regular enrollment
Applications due typically February-March
Interviews or assessments may be required
Acceptance based on program capacity

Popular Magnets:

STEM programs
IB programs
Arts programs
Language immersion

Special Education

Initial Evaluation:

Request evaluation in writing
School must respond within timeline
Evaluation determines services
IEP developed if eligible

Timeline:

Request evaluation
60 days for evaluation (state requirement)
IEP meeting if eligible
Services begin immediately

English Language Learners

Assessment:

Home language survey
English proficiency test
Level determined
Program placement

Support Services:

ESL instruction
Bilingual staff available
Family communication support

Transfer Requests

Inside County Transfers

Inter-district Transfers:

Request change to different school
Must have space available
Transportation usually not provided
Approval not guaranteed

Process:

Submit transfer request
Wait for decision
If approved, follow enrollment process
May need to re-enroll

Out of County Transfers

Moving to AACPS:

Same enrollment process
Provide out-of-state or out-of-county records
May need transcript evaluation
Placement based on grade and space

Private to Public Transfers

Enrolling from Private School:

Same as out-of-county transfer
Provide private school records
Placement based on grade level
May need testing

Homeschool to Public School

Returning to Public School:

Follow standard transfer process
Provide homeschool records
Placement based on age and prior work
May need assessment

International Students

Non-U.S. Citizens:

Same residency requirements
Additional documentation may be needed
Visa documentation if applicable
English proficiency assessment

Documentation:

Valid visa or immigration documents
Passport
I-20 if F-1 student
English proficiency test

Transportation & Bus Service

Bus Eligibility

Eligibility:

Elementary students: Free bus if eligible route
Middle school: Usually free
High school: May have restrictions
Depends on distance from school

Requesting Bus Service:

Indicate on enrollment form
Provide pickup address
Route determined based on location
Route may change each year

Walking Zone

Some students walk:

Live within walking distance
May not qualify for bus
Safe walking routes developed
Parent may need to walk with young children

Fees & Costs

Public School Fees

Generally Free:

Tuition-free for residents
No enrollment fees
Most materials provided

Possible Costs:

Extracurricular activities
Athletic fees for some sports
AP exam fees (some financial aid)
Technology fees for certain programs
Field trip costs

Free & Reduced Lunch

Apply for Program:

Income-based eligibility
Application available online or at school
Annual renewal required
Confidential process

Benefits:

Free or reduced-price meals
May qualify for other assistance
Application determines eligibility

Important Contacts

AACPS Enrollment Office

Address: 1 County Grounds, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-222-4500
Website: www.aacps.org/enrollment

Individual Schools

Each school has its own office:

Check school website for contact info
Specific questions go to school first
District office handles policy questions

Special Services

Special Education: 410-222-4500
Student Services: 410-222-4500
Transfers: Contact enrollment office

Common Questions

Can I enroll if I don’t have all documents?

Answer: Schools will work with families. You may enroll conditionally while gathering documents. Contact school immediately if missing items.

What if my child is behind grade level?

Answer: Schools assess incoming students. Placement may differ from previous grade. Focus is on student success.

Can I choose my child’s school?

Answer: Public schools assign by residence. You can request transfers but they’re not guaranteed. Private schools have different enrollment.

How do I handle custody issues?

Answer: Provide custody documentation. Schools need to know who has enrollment authority. Court orders help clarify.

What if I’m renting?

Answer: Lease agreement works as proof of residence. Some schools may ask for additional verification. Contact school if unsure.

Tips for Smooth Enrollment

Start early - Don’t wait until last week
Make copies - Keep copies of all documents
Call ahead - Confirm requirements before visiting
Be organized - Have everything ready at appointment
Ask questions - Don’t hesitate to clarify requirements
Follow up - Ensure all requirements are met
Visit school - Meet staff before first day

For more education info:

Schools & Education Overview

Official Education Resources

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS)

Official School District Website

AACPS Main Site: www.aacps.org
Enrollment Information: www.aacps.org/registration
Student Information System: www.aacps.org/sis
School Finder: www.aacps.org/schools
Main Office: 1655 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 | Phone: 410-222-4500

Maryland State Department of Education

State Education Resources

MD Public Schools: marylandpublicschools.org
School Performance Data: marylandpublicschools.org/about/indicators
Enrollment Guidelines: marylandpublicschools.org/parents/family-resources
MD Department of Education: marylandpublicschools.org/about

Federal Education Resources

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Education Info: ed.gov
Student Resources: studentaid.gov
Title I Programs: ed.gov/titlei

Last updated: May 2026