School and Childcare Information for Dependents

              Public Schools   

Children between the ages of 5 and 18 are eligible to attend public school.  These schools are located in almost every city or town and are free for those who own or rent a house or apartment in the community.  The academic year runs Monday-Friday from late August or early September until mid to late June.  The levels of education are as follows:

v    Preschool- programs for children under 5 years of age in preparation for kindergarten

v    Elementary School- Kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade

v    Middle School- sixth or seventh grade through eighth or ninth grade

v    High School- ninth or tenth grade through twelfth grade

How can I enroll my child(ren) in public school?

The requirements to enroll your child(ren) in school vary from district to district so it is best to contact the school individually after your arrival.  However, you should make sure to bring the following with you from your home country as they are generally required to enroll in a new school system:

-        Original birth certificate   

-        Immunization records

-        Original and certified English translation of all previous transcripts

-        Proof of custody

*  A physical medical examination is also often required before a child enter school.

See the following websites for more information and to find out which school your child(ren) is/are eligible to attend:

DC- http://www.k12.dc.us/dcps/home.html

Virginia- http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/parents/studentenrollment.html

Maryland- http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/schoolsystems/

Private School

Private schools are another option in which the family must apply and pay tuition for each child to attend.  These schools are very competitive and applications must be submitted well in advance of when the child will start classes.

*See Newcomer’s Handbook for Moving to and Living in Washington, D.C. in our resource library for more information about school options.

Daycare

There are numerous options for full or part-time daycare both for children who are not yet eligible to attend school and for after school care.  The George Washington University has a daycare program called Bright Horizons which provides care for children ages 6 weeks-6 years. More information can be found at www.brighthorizons.com.  The following website lists several other options for daycare in the DC area: http://gradlife.gwu.edu/GWServicesandInformation/Family/Daycare/  Please keep in mind that these are not the only options available and families should research the best fit for their child(ren) upon arrival.

Another option is a babysitter, or an individual who will either come to your house or provide services in their own home.  The babysitter will watch just your child or a small group of children.  This type of care often provides more individualized attention but is not through an organized service provider.