Finding Your School
All children are eligible to enroll in a public school in Oregon. The first step is to determine which school district and which public school is within the school boundary of where you live. If you live in the Portland Public Schools (PPS) district, you can use the School Locator on their website. The interactive map will show you if your address is within the PPS district and which school your child should attend. If your address is located outside the PPS district, then you will need to go the website for the school district in your area. On the school locator map, you will see the names of the other districts. For example, Beaverton, Hillsboro, David Douglas, Parkrose, North Clackamas are all school districts in the Portland-Metro area.
There are other public school options in addition to your neighborhood school as well. PPS offers several language immersion programs and study focus schools (Arts and Sciences). These programs tend to use a lottery system for admission.
In addition to the public schools, you may also be interested in charter or private school. Charter and private schools are not managed by the public school systems. Most programs hold some type of accreditation. These schools typically require a monthly tuition rate. They offer specialized programs or extra support and can be a valuable for a family that needs a tailored approach. The Portland Monthly magazine and Portland Relocation Guide have articles on all the schools in the metropolitan area. These are good resources if you are looking for an option other than your neighborhood public school.
Enrolling Your Child in School
If your child is turning 5 on or before September 1st, then they can enroll in elementary school. If you have a child turning 5 after September 1st, then they can wait one more year to start elementary school. To help your child get started, check the PPS Kindergarten & Early Learning web page and attend a Connect to Kindergarten meeting at your local school.
If your child is older than 5, follow the first step of locating your neighborhood school and review the process for enrolling on the district’s website. For PPS, see Enrolling in Your Neighborhood School for step-by-step enrollment instructions.
If you have additional questions about enrolling your children in school or after-school care options, we recommend visiting the Resource Center for Students with Children at PSU. They will be able to provide additional information on your child’s transition to school here in Portland.
Immunizations/Vaccinations
All children attending public schools are required to have childhood immunizations (vaccinations). See the school district registration website for a detailed list of the immunization requirements. You will need documentation of your child’s vaccinations. If your child is missing a vaccination, you will need to contact your doctor for the vaccination before your child can attend school.
Resources
Portland Public Schools (https://www.pps.net/portland)
Beaverton School District
Hillsboro School District
David-Douglas School District
Lake Oswego School District
PSU Resource Center for Students with Children