Enrolling in Elementary School | Berkeley Unified School District

Berkeley Unified School District believes that diversity in our student population enriches the educational experiences of students; advances educational and occupational aspirations; enhances critical thinking skills; facilitates the equitable distribution of resources; reduces, prevents or eliminates the effects of racial and social isolation; encourages positive relationships across racial and economic lines by breaking the cycle of racial hostility to foster a community of tolerance and appreciation of students from varied and diverse backgrounds; and promotes participation in a pluralistic society.

To advance these values, the District’s Elementary Student Assignment Plan must ensure that that each elementary school’s student population, within an identified zone, reflects the diversity of the student population attending District elementary schools within that zone.

Enrollment Dates for 2021-2022 School Year:

Round One: January 4 – February 5, 2021
Round Two: February 8 – May 14, 2021
Round Three: May 17 – June 25, 2021
Ongoing: June 28, 2021 and beyond

Explore your options

Learn about BUSD Elementary Schools

List of Elementary Schools
Elementary Schools At A Glance
Find out which schools are in your attendance zone
Note: Sylvia Mendez is a district-wide Two Way Immersion School. Students from any zone may apply.

Visit Schools of Interest

Make an appointment to visit schools of interest during the months of November-January.

Attend Informational Events for Kindergarten & New Families

Informational Zoom Nights for the 2021-22 School Year took place from January 6 – January 21, 2021.

Enroll with the Admissions Office

Please read the following instructions carefully before submitting enrollment documents via email. Emails with documents missing or documents sent through multiple emails will not be accepted.

Step 1: Download Enrollment Checklist

The enrollment checklist will help you make sure you are gathering all of the necessary documents.

Enrollment Checklist (English)

Lista de verificación de pre inscripción (Español)

Step 2: Complete Preference Form and Declaration of Residency

You and your student must be residing in Berkeley when submitting enrollment documents.

Next School Year (2021-22)
Complete online form: English or Español

Current School Year (2020-21)
Complete online Preference Form: English
Complete online Declaration of Residency: English or Español

After submitting the online form, a PDF of your completed form will be emailed to you. The PDF must be included when submitting the rest of your enrollment documents.

Step 3: Gather and submit required documents

Option 1: Email all documents to admissions@berkeley.net. All documents must be attached to one email. Emails with documents missing or documents sent through multiple emails will not be accepted.

Option 2: Mail your documents via regular mail to the Admissions Office, Suite 108, 2020 Bonar St., Berkeley, CA 94702.

Option 3: The Admissions Office is closed to the public. However, you may drop off a sealed envelope with your documents during business hours. A drop box is located in the lobby of the BUSD Administrative Building, 2020 Bonar St., Berkeley, CA 94702.

Please make sure ALL of the following documents are attached before sending your email:

Completed Preference Form and Declaration of Residency
Student’s birth certificate
Student’s report card for current school year
Parent/Legal Guardian, valid governmental picture identification card (i.e. CA ID or DL)
Three (3) Proofs of Berkeley Residency
Provide one proof each from Groups A, B & C.

You will receive an email confirmation within 7 business days once all required documents have been submitted and reviewed by admissions.

After your enrollment documents have been submitted and approved, the Admissions Office will send your student’s school assignment and additional information about registration.

For Kindergarten and 1st Grade registration you will need:

Assignment letter
Parent ID
Proof of immunization
A CHDP (California Health and Disability Prevention) form signed by a physician.
CHDP School Entry Form PDF: English | Español
An Oral Health Assessment form signed by a dental professional
Oral Health Assessment Form PDF: English

For 2nd – 5th Grade registration you will need:

Assignment letter
Parent ID
Proof of immunization
Copy of latest report card, transcript or some kind of grade proof (if entering 2nd–5th grade)

The assignment letter will include instructions on submitting the above documents to the assigned school.

Questions?

See answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions or concerns, email admissions@berkeley.net.

Must submit three proofs, one from each of the groups listed below.

All Proofs must be current originals (issued within the last 2 months) imprinted with the name and current Berkeley residential address of the parent/legal guardian. A student can have only one residency for purposes of establishing residency and must be living in Berkeley when submitting forms.

Only personal accounts will be accepted. No care of, DBA or Business accounts.

Group A:

Submit one of the following. Must provide all pages.

Rental property contract or lease, and proof of payment dated within 45 days
Renter or homeowner insurance policy for the current year (no bill, declarations or policy page only)
Current property tax statement
Property deed dated within the last 12 months

Group B: Utility bill

Submit one of the following. Must provide entire bill.

PG&E
Landline phone (non-cellular)
EBMUD
Internet
Cable

Group C:

Submit one of the following. Must provide all pages, cannot be bill.

Current bank statement (checking or savings only)
Action letter from Alameda County Social Services Department
Recent paycheck stub or letter from employer on official company letterhead
Both valid automobile registration and valid automobile insurance
Voter notification or ballot for the most recent past or upcoming election