If your child will be turning 5 years old by December 2nd, he/she will be eligible to enter kindergarten in the San Francisco Unified School District that fall. Start visiting various schools to help you make an informed decision about which one you would like your child to attend.

Whichever path you choose to pursue for your child, take the time now to look around to find the best environment for your child. Best of luck to you!

San Francisco Public Schools
Your child is assigned a district school based on your home address. If you do not know which is your district school, you can find out by calling the Educational Placement Center at (415) 241-6085.

It's a good idea to visit your district school and sit in on the kindergarten class as well as a few of the other upper grade classrooms to get a feel for the learning/social environment throughout the elementary grades. Call the school ahead of time to make an appointment to visit - most schools have set visiting days.

There are also a number of excellent public alternative programs within the school district which include bilingual programs, year-round programs, programs emphasizing the creative arts, etc. Again, visits to these programs should be done as soon as possible.

San Francisco Private Schools
Private schools are another option. Most private schools take applications very early so call right away to visit these schools. Each has different enrollment/screening procedures, tuition ranges, scholarship programs, and time frames for applications.

After School Programs
If your child will need childcare following their regular school, be sure to look into the availability and cost of programs at whichever schools you have interest. NLF's After School Program is available from September through mid-June and there are currently eight public schools that have bus service to it.

Registration Dates
Preregistration for kindergarten in the SF School District will begin sometime in November and will in early January. To pre-register, you will need to fill out a Preregistration/Optional Enrollment Request form. You can also register at the school district office, 555 Franklin Street, Rm. 1, at McAllister Street. Take with you a copy of your child's birth certificate and proof of your San Francisco residency (driver's license, PG&E or phone bill, etc.). Only list schools that you will accept for your child's enrollment.

Notification letters will be sent out by the school district in late March. If you do not get any of the schools you requested, you will either be assigned a school or will continue to be part of a random selection process when openings occur in the school of your choice. Parents can contact the Educational Placement Center at (415) 241-6085 for additional questions.

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