How to find a school for my kids

There are several kinds of schools in the United States:

Pre-school (ages 3 or 4): In pre-school, children play with other children and learn basic skills that will help them prepare for elementary school. There are a lot of types of pre-schools; some are private and others are public. In New Jersey we have the Head Start program. You can learn more from the New Jersey Department of Education. Some public school districts offer pre-school programs. You can find more information at: http://www.nj.gov/education/ece/about/.

Kindergarten (age 5): In the school year after children turn five, they can start kindergarten. Children do not have to go to kindergarten, but it is a very valuable educational experience. Children who attend kindergarten go Monday through Friday. Many kindergarten classes are half-day, and some are full-day. You can learn more about kindergarten from the Department of Education. www.nj.gov/education/ece/k/truth.pdf

Grades 1 - 8 (Elementary/Middle/Junior High School): School years in the United States are called “grades”. Children attend school 5 ½ - 7 hours each day from Monday through Friday. Younger children usually stay in one classroom and have one teacher for the whole school year. Older students usually have 6 to 8 different classes during the day. They might change to different rooms and they might have different teachers for each subject. Schools for children in grades 5 or 6 through 8 are called Middle Schools or Junior High Schools.

Grades 9 – 12 (High School): Children usually enter high school at age 14 and graduate at age 18. However, a student can remain in high school up to age 20. High school students change classrooms and have different teachers during the day. High school prepares students for jobs or for studies at a college or university.

Before and After School Programs: Some schools have child care programs before school. At these schools, parents can bring their children to school before school starts. Some schools also have programs for children after school. At these schools, children may enroll in an after-school program for music, sports, homework help, or other activities. Some schools charge a fee for these programs. You must enroll your children in special programs and give your written permission before your children can come early or stay late after school.

Summer School: Many elementary and high schools offer summer school. Some classes in the summer are for students who need additional help in school. Some classes are for special activities or topics, such as computer classes. There may be a fee for summer school.

After High School: When students graduate from high school they usually continue their studies at a college or university. Some students may also choose to begin working full-time or enlist in the military. There are thousands of private and public four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Private and public colleges and universities can be expensive. Some students may chose to attend one of New Jersey’s quality state (public) institutions. Public institutions are generally less expensive than private universities. Students can apply for scholarships and loans to help to pay for their education. All students should fill out the Free Application for Student Aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ which can help them with financial aid for college.

Papers that you may need for enrollment:

Proof of birth date if available (preferably a translated birth certificate).

Health Documents: Medical Examination/Immunization Form and Dental Examination Form

Proof of address: (utility bill, apartment lease, valid driver’s license, or notarized affidavit (sworn statement) of residency) Transcripts from previous school(s) if available. For example, parents may have school records from other U.S. schools or from schools in their native countries. Ask the school for the list of papers to bring for enrollment.

The school has medical and dental forms you need to have filled out and brought back to the school. It is very important that you fill out the forms that your child’s school requests. When children enter school for the first time, they must have a physical examination. The doctor will fill out a medical form. The medical form includes immunization records.

If children do not have the necessary medical forms completed, they will not be allowed to attend classes when school begins.

Almost all students must have immunizations (vaccines) for the following diseases:

Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT)

Influenza (6 months and older prior to attending a licensed day care center or pre-school)

Polio

Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (2-11 months before enrolling and attending a licensed day care center or pre-school)

Measles

Rubella (German measles)Mumps

Hepatitis B (for children entering preschool or 5th grade)

Haemophilus influenza type b (for children under 5)

Meningococcal (before entering the 6th grade) If an immunization is against your religious beliefs, you may be able to apply for an exemption.

You can find more information about vaccines from: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

After the medical forms are completed, students are tested and placed in the class that is best for them, such as bilingual education class or ESL class. You might also fill out a “Home Language Survey” to help with this placement.

Here is the sample of the Home Language Survey that you may be asked to complete: http://www.state.nj.us/education/bilingual/ell_mainstream/worddocs/home_language_survey.doc

Based on the Home Language Survey, your child’s school might suggest that your child be placed in an “English as a Second Language” and/or a Bilingual Education program. This program can be very useful in helping your child learn English and do well in school.

Children can have physical examinations and immunizations in a doctor’s office or at a clinic. Most schools have information about free or low-cost examinations and immunizations. If you cannot afford health insurance for your children, you may be eligible for New Jersey Family Care. New Jersey Family Care offers free or low cost health plans for children under age 18 whose parents qualify. Your eligibility is based on the size of your family and the amount of money your family makes each month. NJ Family Care is NOT a “welfare” program and recipients are not considered to be “public charges.” http://www.njfamilycare.org/

NJ Family Care is available to qualified legal immigrants. Any legal immigrant to the U.S. is eligible to receive services regardless of amount of time in the United States. NJ Family Care also has the “Medical Emergency Payment Program for Undocumented Residents.”. You can find more information about the program by calling NJ Family Care or visiting their website. If you are an undocumented resident in a medical emergency, you should inform someone from the hospital staff that you wish to apply for the Medical Emergency Payment Program and they will either give you an application to fill out and/or notify the County Welfare Agency."

Click here to download the complete handbook with information about the school system in New Jersey.