Student Registration and Enrollment FAQs

Children planning to attend Kindergarten in the Fall must turn five years old on or before the first day of Kindergarten. The first day of Kindergarten for CMSD is August 28, 2026. 

Visit the Preschool or Kindergarten web pages for more information about our programs.

Students may be registered at the Office of School Choice & Enrollment, 1111 Superior Avenue, 216.838.3675 or at Natividad Pagan 3145 West 46^th Street, 216-838-0410. See the School Finder for a list of schools, addresses and hours. Students also may be registered at the Office of School Choice & Enrollment, 1111 Superior Avenue, 216.838.3675.

All FORMS regarding registration can be downloaded on the Forms page.

There are some exceptions:

• Students with special needs (IEPs – Individualized Education Plans) or those with suspected disabilities must contact the Special Education Office, 1111 Superior Avenue, 216.838.7733.
• Students who speak a language other than English or live in a household where another language is spoken must register at the Multilingual Welcome Center, 3145 West 46th, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Telephone number 216.838.0410.
• Families that are homeless, doubled-up with other families or in some other type of transition, should contact Project ACT, 1111 Superior Avenue, 216.838.0210.

The following documents are required for registration:

• Proof of income (Pre-k only)
• Physical Exam (Pre-k only)
• Ohio Benefits Confirmation (Pre-k only)
• Birth Certificate
• Immunization Record (Baby Shots)
• Proof of Address
• Withdrawal Form, most recent Report Card, or Transcript
• Guardian’s State ID
• Guardianship/Custody Documents (if applicable)

The Registration Checklist can be downloaded on the Forms page.

When registering your child, verify that the same name is on the birth certificate and the health record.

The immunization document must be an official record. It should be initialed or signed by a healthcare professional. Acceptable documents include a doctor’s form, a “baby book” or a Head Start form.
 

 Visit the Nursing and Health Services page for a detailed list of immunizations required. 

Birth Certificates for children born in the Cleveland area may be secured from the Cuyahoga County Bureau of Vital Statistics, City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue, 216.664.2317. The cost is $25.

Your child’s doctor, clinic or previous school may have copies of Immunization Records. Students need to retake shots if immunization records cannot be located. Some clinics offer free shots. Clinics Flyer-English | Clinics Flyer-Spanish

Several forms of address verification are accepted. Some examples include mortgage or lease agreements, recent utility bills, payroll documents or recent tax statements. Contact Project ACT, 216.838.0210, if you are staying with another family and don’t have proof of address.

Copies of any documents pertaining to guardianship must be presented at the time of registration. Court documents may include divorce decrees, Juvenile Court orders or Probate Court orders.

Call the Office of School Choice & Enrollment if you have any questions about documents required for registration, 216.838.3675.

Contact the Special Education Office if your child has been identified for special education services or if you suspect that your child has a disability, 216.838.7733.

Contact Health Services or the School Nurse if your child has health-related or medical needs.

Students who speak a language other than English or live in a household where another language is spoken must register at the Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Welcome Center, 3145 West 46th, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Call 216-838-0140.

It is CMSD's goal to assign students based on the school preference of the parent/legal guardian. All parents/legal guardians are encouraged to actively choose the school their students will attend. However, some assignments will be based on the closest school to the parent/legal guardian's address where the student can receive their required educational services. In situations where the requested school is at capacity and classrooms at the requested school has no space for additional students, the student will be assigned parent/guardian's next choice school.

The application process begins in early spring. Parents may submit choices by visiting the District's Enrollment webpage or by contacting the School Choice and Enrollment Office at 216.838.3675. 

The parent/legal guardian may take proof of a new address to the current school. Acceptable documents include mortgage or lease agreements, recent utility bills, payroll documents or recent tax statements.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has an open enrollment policy that allows families apply for other schools.

Transfers are granted if space is available at the requested school and grade level. The transfer window will be open September 8- 11^th.

Parents who live outside the boundaries of the district may apply for a new student enrollment. These requests will be granted if space is available at the requested school and grade level. Parents will not be charged tuition. Transportation will not be available for these enrollments.

Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances where a child is living with someone who is not the legal guardian. Here are some examples:

• If the Department of Children and Family Services has custody, the social worker or foster parent should have journal entries or emergency custody papers that verify the custody arrangements.
• If children are living with grandparents, the grandparents may obtain a Grandparent Caregiver Affidavit or a Grandparent Power of Attorney These documents must be filed with Juvenile Court to secure temporary custody.
• If a parent/legal guardian is hospitalized, incarcerated or in rehabilitation, Project ACT may be able to assist the family.