School Admission & Transfer Policy

Policy 201. ADMISSION OF BEGINNING STUDENTS

Overview:

When a pupil applies for admission to any school, it becomes the responsibility of the school to complete enrollment if he/she resides within the boundary lines, or immediately secure accurate information as to where the pupil should apply.

Resident students have a legal right to attend until age 21, unless they have completed a program through graduation or have been validly expelled. Accordingly, such students who wish to return to school must be permitted to enroll or re-enroll in regular daytime classes.

Procedures:

Effective immediately the following procedure superseded all previous procedures and practices regarding the enrollment process of students into School District of Philadelphia school programs. 

Required Documentation

A.     Parent/Legal Guardianship Identification (One of the following is required):

      Acceptable documentation includes:

• Current Drivers License/ Non-Drivers license
• Valid Federal, State or Municipal employment photo identification
• Passport

B.     Proof of child’s age (One of the following is required)

      Acceptable documentation includes:

• Child’s original birth certificate
• Notarized copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Child’s valid passport
• Original baptismal certificate indicating the child’s date of birth
• Copy of the record of baptism – notarized or duly certified and showing the date of birth
• Notarized statement from the parents or another relative indicating the date of birth
• Prior school records indicating the date of birth

C.      Immunization Record (One of the following is required)

      Acceptable documentation includes:

• The child’s immunization record
• A written statement from the former school district or from a medical office that the required immunizations have been administered, or that a required series is in progress
• Verbal assurances from the former school district or a medical office that the required immunizations have been completed, with records to follow.

·                  Acceptable documentation includes:  Schools should be flexible in verifying residency, and should consider what
      information is reasonable in light of the family's situation.

• Deed
• Mortgage settlement sheet
• Current utility bill (gas, electric, cable, telephone)
• Recent property tax bill
• Valid driver’s license or change of address card with your current address
• Letter from Social Security Office with current address
• Bank statement with current address
• Recent Employer Pay Stub showing current address
• Original lease with name(s) of parents/legal guardians and children
• Valid DOT identification card
• Billing statement
• Current credit card bill
• Recent vehicle registration
• Voter Registration Card showing current address
• Letter from Public Assistance Office with current address
• IRS Statement or other wage and tax statements e.g., W2, 1040, 1099

D.1- Homeless Youth and Families:
Homeless youth are entitled to immediate enrollments and their families are not required to prove residency regarding school enrollment.  Included within the definition of homeless children and youth are those who are "awaiting foster care placement" and “unaccompanied homeless youth.”  These students should be enrolled without delay, in the district where they are presently residing, or continue their education in the district of prior attendance.  See the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq.

E. Enrollment