Student Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are there so many forms to complete to have my child enter school?

The District is required to gather and verify important information about you and your child. This includes verifying each child’s age to determine school and grade placement; as well as verifying residency to comply with the state requirements that each student attending BCSD is a resident of the District as defined by law. If there are special circumstances or if you have questions related to a child’s age or residency verification, the Registrar can assist you in identifying acceptable forms of verification.

2. How long does a registration appointment take?

The appointment with the Registrar typically takes approximately 20-45 minutes, depending on the completion of the paperwork.  In most circumstances, all submitted documentation is reviewed on the same day as your appointment and residency is determined for enrollment purposes. At your appointment, you will be given the school enrollment forms to complete and return to the appropriate school building. You will then need to make an appointment with the school for academic placement of your child.

3. How long does it take for my child to be enrolled in school?

During a current school year, registration in the district must take place within 3 business days of the Registrar receiving all necessary documents (registration form and age and residence proofs). Ideally, a student should be enrolled in class within 5 school days after registration is complete; however, this may be delayed if the school is awaiting academic records or ENL screening is required. Delays may also occur if a child’s immunization records are missing or if the child is not up to date on their immunizations as required by New York State law.

If you are registering in one school year for the following school year, your registration will be processed as quickly as possible in the order it is received with official enrollment occurring at the start of the new school year. Please note that summer is our busiest time of the year, and we ask for your patience. You may be contacted over the summer regarding an academic screening (K-2).

4. Is there any documentation that the District cannot request?

The District cannot request certain items at the time of and/or as a condition of enrollment. These include a Social Security Card or number for you or your child, visas, or other documentation indicating immigration status.

5. Can the District require that I prove that I am the parent/guardian of the child to be registered?

Yes, the District may require that you provide an affidavit that you are the parent/guardian with whom the child lawfully resides or that you have total and permanent care, custody, and control through guardianship or otherwise. If the child lives with a sponsor appointed by a federal agency, documentation may be required. However, the District cannot require a judicial custody order or an order of guardianship as a condition of enrollment.

6. If I have questions about verification documents, who can I call?

The District Registrar can help you with all the paperwork.  Please call 242-5200 ext. 5580 to have your questions answered.

7. Why am I asked to complete the Student Demographics Sheet after my child is enrolled?

You are asked to voluntarily supply this information so that the District can complete required reports to the State and Federal Education Departments. This form is NOT used to determine registration eligibility or academic placement.

8. Why do I need to complete the Home Language Questionnaire after my child is enrolled?

Your child may need to be assessed for language services.

9. What happens if my child is denied enrollment?

If it is determined that a child is not eligible to attend school in the District, the parent/guardian is notified in writing of the reason for the denial. If the reason is that the child is not a resident of the District, written notice shall be provided which provides:

• Notice that the child is not eligible.
• The specific basis for the determination that the child is not eligible, including the documentary or other evidence upon which the determination was made.
• The date that the child will be excluded from the school.
• The appeals process available to the parent/guardian which includes appeal to the Commissioner of Education within 30 days of the determination. Instructions, forms, and procedures for the appeal, including translated versions, may be obtained from the Office of Counsel at www.counsel.nysed.gov, or may be mailed to the Office of the Counsel, New York State Education Department, State Education Building, Albany, NY 12234 or by calling the Appeals Coordinator at (518)-474-8927.