Register for Kindergarten

Registration for the 2024 – 2025 School year is Now Open!

  • Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1st to start Kindergarten. If your student is younger, consider one of the many Pre-K options also open for enrollment!
  • Registration can be completed online or by contacting your neighborhood school. Click here to find your school.

Attend an Open House

Open House Week
May 13-17, 2024

How to Register Online

The School District of Philadelphia offers two ways to register their children for Kindergarten:

  • Option 1:
    Register using the Online Registration (OLR). The OLR allows families to complete the enrollment process online, from wherever they have access to the internet. Before starting this process, we encourage families to follow all instructions (see below!) carefully and have all of the proper documents in electronic format.
  • Option 2:
    Families can go to the Office of Student Enrollment and Placement (Suite 111) at 440 N Broad Street OR their neighborhood school to receive in-person support to complete their application. You must bring the required enrollment documents when registering your child in person (see Step 2 below: proof of child’s age, immunization record, and two proofs of address).

Ready to get started? Let’s register!

Registering online is easy but does require a number of steps, and a number of documents you’ll need to provide. Be prepared to spend 15 minutes to a half-hour filling out the form online, plus whatever time you’ll need to collect and prepare the documents we’ll need. If you’re registering in person, please collect the required documents listed in step 2.

Step 1

Locate Your Catchment School

Use our online map to find your school, based on your address.

Step 2

Gather Your Documents

  • Birth Certificate for child/children
  • Immunization/Shot Records for child/children
  • Valid Photo ID of Parent/Legal Guardian
  • Valid Proof of Address (2 forms)

View our Registration Guidelines for specific examples of the documents needed to register.

Step 3

Register Online

Need Help Completing the Kindergarten Application?

Click Here to Download a Parent Stepper in your language to help you with online registration.

If you’re having trouble completing your online registration, email us at osep@philasd.org

Video Tutorials

Open House Events

Kindergarten Open House events provide a fantastic opportunity for families to become acquainted with the excellent learning experiences at the schools and learn about the school’s expectations and ways to support their child’s learning process at home.

  • Kindergarten Open House Week – May 13-17, 2024

View the Kindergarten Open House Slideshow Presentation
The District will provide a Kindergarten Open House slideshow presentation as an alternative to hosting a Kindergarten Open House at local elementary schools. Prospective parents will find it helpful in understanding kindergarten transition, readiness, and registration to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Need Help Completing the Kindergarten Application?

Click Here to Download a Parent Stepper in your language to help you with online registration.

Resources

FAQs

What are the age/eligibility requirements for Kindergarten?

A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of the year they wish to enroll in Kindergarten.

What is the deadline to enroll children in Kindergarten?

The process for enrolling children in kindergarten is ongoing. However, completing registration by May 31 is strongly recommended.

There are limited seats per school and seats can fill quickly. Registering early gives you the best chance for a seat at your preferred school, and allows schools to be well-prepared for the new school year.

How can I learn more about Kindergarten at my neighborhood school?

Attend an Open House to learn more about kindergarten and meet school staff.  More information can be found on the Thrive at Five website.

How do I register for Kindergarten?

Option 1:
Register using the Online Registration (OLR) System. OLR allows families to complete the enrollment process online, from wherever they have access to the internet. Before starting this process, we encourage families to follow all instructions carefully and have all of the proper documents in electronic format.

Option 2:
Families can go to the Office of Student Enrollment and Placement (Suite 111) at 440 N Broad Street OR their neighborhood school to receive in-person support to complete their application. You must bring the required enrollment documents when registering your child in person.

What do I need to register my child for kindergarten?

View our Registration Guidelines for specific examples of the documents needed to register.

How do I know what my catchment (neighborhood) school is?

Use our online map to find your school, based on your address.

What if I want my child to attend a school outside my catchment area?

For the current school year, families must always register their child for Kindergarten in the neighborhood school.

The School Selection Process is for students and families who wish to apply to a school outside of their neighborhood boundaries for admission into grades K-12 for the following school year. For more information visit the District’s School Selection webpage.

Is kindergarten full day?

Kindergarten is a full-day program. The hours are the same as the rest of the school population.

When will I hear from my child’s teacher?

Your child’s teacher will be in touch right before the school year starts. They will call to set up a Family Interview, a time for them to start getting to know your child and family.

Are uniforms required for Kindergarten students?

For school uniform information click here to access your child’s school uniform colors and policy. Once you have accessed the uniform page, click on the School drop-down menu or use the School Directory menu.

Please contact your child’s school to confirm the information before purchasing your child’s uniform.

Who do I contact about school supplies?

For questions about school supplies and other school-related concerns, please contact your catchment school.

What if my child needs learning support or specialized services?

Click here for more information about The Office of Diverse Learners or call 215-400-4170.

Is transportation provided for kindergarten children?

Families must provide transportation for Kindergarten children. However, transportation is provided ONLY for Kindergarten students whose IEP qualifies them for this service. Please refer to the Office of Transportation’s webpage for more information.

Who can I contact for services?

Questions about Kindergarten Registration Policies or the Online Registration System? Contact the Office of Student Enrollment & Placement at 215-400-4290 or email osep@philasd.org.

Need Multilingual Family Support? Reach out to mac@philasd.org or call 215- 400- 4180.

General Kindergarten Questions? Reach out to ktransition@philasd.org or call 215-400-4270

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