Public Schools are Free

These are government-funded, and required to enroll all children, regardless of immigration status. They serve children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Typical Ages and Grade Levels

• Kindergarten: Ages 4-6 (starts at age 5 by September 1 in most states).
• Elementary School: Grades 1-5, ages 6-11.
• Middle School: Grades 6-8, ages 11-14.
• High School: Grades 9-12, ages 14-18.

Legal Requirement

• Minnesota: Mandatory from age 7 to 17 (or completion of 12th grade).
• California: Mandatory from age 6 to 18.
• Check your state’s Department of Education website for exact ages.

Enforcement

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand Your Rights

• All children have a constitutional right to free K-12 education (Plyler v. Doe, 1982).
• The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) funds the Refugee School Impact (RSI) program, offering ESL, tutoring, and integration support for refugee children.
• The McKinney-Vento Act ensures immediate enrollment for children in temporary housing, with free transportation and supplies.

Contact Your Resettlement Agency

• Your agency (e.g., U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) will help locate your school district, gather documents, and access RSI programs.
• Ask about ESL or bilingual programs for non-English-speaking children.

Locate Your School District

• Schools are assigned by address. Use your resettlement agency or the district’s website to find the correct school.
• Contact the district’s enrollment office for assistance.

Equivalency Check for Prior Education

• Process: Schools assess prior education from South Africa using transcripts, report cards, or parent interviews. If unavailable, schools conduct placement tests (e.g., math or reading assessments) to determine grade level.
• Challenges: South African qualifications (e.g., National Senior Certificate) may not directly align with U.S. grades. Schools prioritize age-appropriate placement but may adjust based on skills.
• Support: RSI programs or resettlement agencies can assist with records needed or arranging assessments.

Vaccination Requirements

• • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Verification: Provide South African vaccination records or a health exam report. If unavailable, schools or USRAP-funded clinics can arrange free/low-cost vaccinations.

Exceptions:

• Medical: A doctor’s note proving medical contraindications (e.g., allergies).
• Religious: Some states allow exemptions for religious beliefs, but this requires a signed affidavit (check state laws).
• Temporary Waivers: Schools may grant 30-90 days to complete vaccinations, especially for refugees. McKinney-Vento liaisons can advocate for this.

Note: Schools cannot deny enrollment solely due to missing vaccination records, but compliance is required for continued attendance.

Gather Other Documents

Required:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or ORR Verification of Release).
• Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, or agency letter).
• Immunization records (see above).

Optional: Previous school records for grade placement.

If Unavailable: Schools cannot deny enrollment for missing documents. Provide an affidavit for identity or residency.

Enroll Your Child

Access Support

• RSI Program: Offers tutoring, after-school programs, and parent orientation in high-refugee areas (e.g., Minnesota).
• McKinney-Vento: Provides transportation, supplies, or referrals for families in temporary housing.
• Title I: Extra academic support in high-poverty schools.

Prepare for School

School Supplies

• Typical items: Notebooks, pencils, pens, backpack, folders, calculator (for older students).
• Cost: $50-$150/year per child. Free supplies may be available via RSI, McKinney-Vento, or nonprofits.
• Transportation: Free if outside walking distance or under McKinney-Vento.
• Uniforms: Some schools require uniforms (cost: $50-$100/year). Check for assistance programs.