School Administration

School Assignment

Where is my child assigned to attend school?
Alamance County is geographically divided in to attendance zones. Parents can call the Transportation Office at 336-570-6541 with an address of the parents/legal guardians to receive a school assignment. The residence of a student is that of his/her parents or legal custodian(s).

How is school assignment determined when parents are separated?
If the parents are not legally separated but they reside in different places, the residence of the student is generally considered to be the residence formerly used by both parents. If custody or primary residence is granted to one parent by court order, the student’s eligibility for school assignment shall be determined by the residence of that parent. If the parents of the student are legally separated and custody has not been determined by the court, the student shall have the option of establishing eligibility for school assignment with either parent. Under no circumstances can a family have two residences for eligibility for school assignment purposes.

School Enrollment

How do I enroll my child in school?

Please call the school to which your child is assigned to arrange a time to enroll the student. While this is not required, it can save a lot of time. (If you need information about the school assignment, contact the Transportation Office at 336-570-6541.) Your child does not have to be present to be enrolled, but you will need to provide the following:

• Two proofs of residency (current original municipal utility bills, an official rental lease or mortgage) showing the name and address of the parents/legal guardians
• Immunization (shot) record
• Current transcript (if available) and the address/phone number of the prior school attended
• Medical documentation for any health concerns (While not required for enrollment, please inquire about the school system’s medication policy if the student is to receive over-the-counter or prescription medicines at school.)
• If the student is entering school for the first time as a kindergarten student or first grade student, North Carolina law requires that a kindergarten health assessment be completed on or before the first day of school before a child can enter school. The health assessment must be completed no more than 12 months prior to the date of entry. Physical examination forms are available at the schools, area doctors' offices or at the Alamance County Health Department. Parents whose children do not have a regular physician can get health assessments and immunizations through the Alamance County Health Department.

 

What do I need to take to the school to verify my address?

Most parents or legal custodians use two of the following items to verify that you live in the school zone.

• A current power, gas, or water utility bill in the name of the parent(s) or legal custodian. The bills must be originals. (Cable and telephone bills are not accepted.)
• An official rental lease or mortgage in the name of the parent(s) or legal custodian.

 

How do I prove where I live if I live with another family and do not have bills in my name?

You will need to complete an Affidavit of Residence with the person with whom your family lives. These forms are available from the Administrative Offices or the schools and must be notarized. The notarized affidavit along with the proofs of residency from the one providing the residence are required.

 

Students must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year to enroll in Kindergarten. (The state does not require enrollment in school until the age of 7.) In accordance with state law, gifted children who are age 4 by April 16 also will be considered for enrollment. (For additional information on early kindergarten enrollment, contact the Executive Director for Elementary Education.)

If my family moves during the school year, can my child stay at the current school?

Parent(s) or legal custodian must keep the child’s current address and contact numbers up-to-date. When moving, parent(s) or legal custodian should present new address verification to the school. If the new address is not in the school attendance zone, then the parent(s) or legal custodian needs to request a continuation form from the Executive Director of School Administration so the child can remain in the same school for the remainder of the school year. The child will be subject to the transfer guidelines below.

How can I enroll a student who is not my child?

Sometimes children are in various circumstances that prevent children from living with their parents, but they still need to attend school. If the adult trying to register a child is not the parent, the schools will ask to see legal documentation that the courts have awarded custody. These court orders are signed by a judge. A parent cannot sign a notarized form to “give custody” to another adult. For assistance with these special circumstances, please contact the Executive Director of School Administration.

Transfers

How can my child transfer to another school?
Parents who wish to request a transfer for their child may contact the Executive Director of School Administration no earlier than April 1 for a Transfer Form. Transfer forms also are available online. Requests for a transfer must be received prior to May 1 deadline.

Transfer Guidelines

• Requests for transfer must be made between April 1 and May 1 for the upcoming school year.
• Approved transfer requests will be good for the entirety of a grade span.  
• Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the family. No bus transportation will be provided to transfer students.
• Principals may request that a student’s transfer be revoked if the student fails to remain in good standing at the school in the areas of attendance, tardies, and behavior.
• If the transfer is approved, no other transfer will be granted.
• Space availability is a significant consideration for transfers.

 

Why are transfers denied?
Transfer decisions are difficult ones since it requires balancing the operational needs of the school system and individual schools with the desires of the families. Each transfer decision is made within the guidelines of Board Policies. Transfer are often denied because there is no space in the desired school and/or grade level, the transfer is filed after the April 1 to May 1 deadline and does not meet the deadline exceptions for consideration, or the request for transfer is based upon a disagreement with the school staff regarding school decisions such as grades, homework, discipline, retention, or class assignment.

What if the transfer request is denied?
If the transfer request was submitted between April 1 and May 1, then the parent(s) or legal custodian can submit in writing within seven calendar days of receiving denial notification a request for an appeal hearing.

Appeal Process

• The parent(s) or legal custodian will receive notification of the day and time of the appeal hearing.
• At the hearing, the board panel will review the original written transfer request form. The family will be given a limited time to provide oral presentation to the panel citing why a transfer is being requested and to provide any relevant supporting documentation.
• Parents will be notified of the final decision by mail after the full Board of Education makes its decision.