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 the current 2023-2024 School Year:

Ongoing: June 26th, 2023 and beyond

Enrollment Dates for 2024-2025 School Year:

Round 1: January 8th – February 2nd, 2024
Round 2: February 3rd – April 26th, 2024
Round 3: April 27th – June 28th, 2024
Ongoing: June 29th, 2024 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.

Attend Informational Events for Kindergarten & New Families

Informational zoom nights take place in January. Details and zoom links are available here.

Enroll with the Admissions Office

BUSD enrollment documents are submitted electronically. Those without access to a device to submit documents electronically can call the Admissions Office for assistance. Call: 510.644.6504

Please read the following instructions carefully.

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)
Enrollment Checklist for Visiting Scholars
Enrollment Checklist for BUSD Employees who are Non-Berkeley Residents

Step 2: Gather required documents on the Enrollment Checklist

The Enrollment Form requires you to submit the documents listed on the Enrollment Checklist. Please have these ready to upload when you begin filling out the form.

Step 3: Complete Enrollment Form and Declaration of Residency

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

Upcoming School Year (2024-25)
Complete online form for 2024-25: English or Español

You will receive an email confirmation within 10-12 business days once the form has been 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 two proofs 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.

Voter registration for the most recent or upcoming election
Checking/Savings bank statement
Credit card statement
Action letter from Social Services or Government Agency (canot be property)
Entire utility bill,contract or receipt (PG&E, Landline phone, EBMUD, Internet or Cable)
Paycheck stub or letter from employer on official company letterhead confirming employment and address on file
Valid automobile registration
Valid automobile insurance
Rental contract/lease with payment receipt
Current Renters or Homeowners insurance policy
Current property taxes
Property deed dated within the year