Enrollment FAQs
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New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) operates one of the largest school systems in the state of Connecticut, with many different educational options and alternatives for students at all age levels. The information below provides general information about Enrollment into New Haven Public Schools.
1. Where is the Choice & Enrollment office and what are the office hours?
The Choice & Enrollment Office is located on the 1st Floor of the Board of Education Central Offices at 54 Meadow Street, New Haven, CT. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 3:30. We are here to enroll new students into our schools and to assist parents with enrollment questions. Contact: 475-220-1430 or 475-220-1431.
2. What do I need to enroll my child for school?
The required documents are documents which will verify the age and residency of the child. Acceptable documentation for proof of age includes, but is not limited to, the child’s birth certificate. Proof of residency documents include a current utility bill (electricity, home phone, gas, or cable bill), a rental lease agreement or mortgage papers in the name of the parent, legal guardian or person having care and/or control of the school aged child that verifies that the child is a resident of New Haven.
The child’s social security number is optional. In accordance with Connecticut State law, children MUST have up to date physical examinations and immunization records (in some cases, up to date health records are required for initial placement (i.e. Headstart Pre-K). Before school starts, completed Physical Health and Immunization Records can be delivered to The Bureau of Nursing Office, 54 Meadow Street, 1st Floor. Please note: students will not be allowed to attend school if they do not meet their grade level health requirements. If the child is transferring from another school or district, please bring all available transcripts and other educational records.
3. Who can register children for school?
The parent, legal guardian or person having care and/or control of school aged children who resides within the City of New Haven can register children into New Haven Public Schools.
4. Does anyone have guaranteed admission or admission preferences to attend particular NHPS schools?
Due to the seat limitations, there is no guarantee that any child will be placed in a particular school. All school assignments are based solely on seat availability and the most appropriate instructional program for the child. However, the various enrollment processes of our district are designed to give preference to students at their zoned school and where the enrolling student may already have a sibling currently attending. To be considered for sibling preference, the brother or sister must also live in the same household and have the same parent or legal guardian as the enrolling student.
5. If I move between neighborhoods in New Haven, can I keep my student enrolled in their current school, and can my other children enroll with their sibling?
If you move, your child does not have to change schools - they may remain enrolled where they are now. New Haven Public Schools has provide the child with transportation to the current from the new address within in New Haven.
6. If I move, how do I change my child’s address?
You may contact the main office of your child’s school and complete an address change. In order to change the address of a child, proof of residency documents must be provided which include a current utility bill (electricity, home phone, gas, or cable bill), a rental lease agreement or mortgage papers in the name of the parent, legal guardian or person having care and/or control of the school aged child that verifies that the child is a resident of New Haven.
7. Can a child use two addresses or a P.O Box for registration?
No, a child can be registered using only one address and P.O. Boxes may not be used to register a child.
8. What happens if my neighborhood school is full?
Your child will be registered to the closest available school and transportation will be provided where applicable.
9. How do I transfer my child to a different school?
Any student wanting a transfer must apply through the School Selection Process beginning in February each year. If that process has passed, visit the Choice & Enrollment office for next steps.
10. When do 1st – 12th registrations begin each school year?
Open registration or enrollment of new students begins annually in July.
11. How old does my child have to be for Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten registration?
- Children turning 5 on or before September 1st of a current school year are eligible for Kindergarten.
- Children turning 4 on or before September 1st of a current school year are eligible for Pre-K 4.
- Children turning 3 on or before September 1st of a current school year are eligible for Pre-K 3 .
Contact Us:
Phone: 475-220-1430 or 475-220-1431
Fax: 203-946-5697
Email: Choiceenrollment@new-haven.k12.ct.us or nhpsregistration@new-haven.k12.ct.us
Mailing Address:
New Haven Public Schools
Office of School Choice & Enrollment
54 Meadow Street
1st Floor
New Haven, CT 06519
United States See
map: Google Maps
