Registration
Are all required documents needed to begin registration or can parents send them in later?
All required documentation needs to be present during the time of registration to begin a case. Unless the family is classified as homeless.
When was the 2023-2024 Exam School test (MAP Test) administered this year?
They had to opportunities to take the test. First one was administered in June and the second in December 2023.
How many Welcome Centers are in the city of Boston and their locations?
Four Welcome Centers in total. Three full-time Centers and one part-time Satellite Center in East Boston.
How many days is a proof of address document valid for?
Most proofs of address are valid for 60 days. Leases are good for the duration of the contract. (Speak to your Director for further details)
What is the Citywide Showcase of Schools?
Is a yearly BPS event where all BPS schools are showcased to the public. Where families can meet principals, staff, and learn about programs in the school.
When is the earliest you can Pre-Register for the following school year?
Pre-Registration begins in mid December. However, Parents still need to work with a Registration Specialist (Remote/in-person) in January to complete the process.
If I register my child in January; when will I find out my child’s school assignment?
Depends on the grade. Students going into K0, K1, K2, 6, 7, and 9 by March 31. All other grades In Mid May.
Can you do a Change of Address for a student that attends Roxbury Prep Charter School?
No, Charter and Private Schools are responsible for changing their student address.
Immunizations are hard to get, can we register now and bring them later?
No, parents will need to have the child's up to date immunization records to start a registration case. However, they are able to provide incomplete immunizations as long as they provide us with an appointment card from their clinic. Don't forget about the physical as well.
When does School Preview Days begin and end?
They begin in November and end in late January.
I really like the Murphy School but I live in Roxbury. Can you add that school to my Home-Based list?
Sorry, we can not add schools to your customized Home-Based list. Parents can only choose schools that show up on their Homebase list
When do wait-lists expire?
January 31st for Kindergarten and November 30th for all other grades.
What is the schedule for the East Boston Welcome Center during the month of January?
Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 9:00am-5:00pm. The rest of the year, they are only opened Monday and Tuesdays 9:00am-5:00pm.
Can I add my partner or spouse to my child’s student records?
Yes, parents can add that person as an Emergency Contact Person. However, if they want to add that person as guardian, they will need to provide legal custody documents. Parents can grant Caregiver rights through a Caregiver Affidavit. Speak to your Director for further details.
What system does BPS use to measure school quality?
BPS is currently using the School Quality Framework (SQF) System.
My child is receiving Special Education Services. Can we register without the child’s IEP (Individualized Educational Plan)?
YES, but it would be faster to get an assignment if you bring the IEP during the time of registration.
How many wait-lists can I be on?
Unlimited until mid-June. Then families will have to go on only one wait-list.
Can I change my child’s Grade at the Welcome Center?
No, children’s grades can only be changed through the child’s school. Please speak with your Director if you have questions.
I work in Boston but live in Randolph. Can we register our child into Boston Public Schools?
No, only Boston residents can apply for Boston Public Schools.
What are the best locations for Info Sessions and community engagement?
Libraries, Community Centers, Head-start programs, Churches, homeless shelters, Clinics/hospitals, etc.
What does SVA mean?
"Single Visit Assignment". Family leaves with an assignment the same day. This feature only happens after the end our our peak season (June- December).
Can I complete my registration for the First Round in December?
No, First Round Registrations can only be completed after first Round begins. For the 2024-2025 School year, no applications can be completed until January 4th 2023.
I moved in with my aunt in Boston due to eviction. So I am unable to provide the necessary documents. What do we do?
You can register this family under the Homeless Initiative Act. This family is considered doubled up and therefore homeless.
What methods of communication do Welcome Services use to advertise the upcoming registration season?
Radio station announcements, community news papers, Billboards, Flyers, Leafleting, lawn signs, info sessions, and many more.