Check which schools your address belongs to
Collect proof of residency, birth certificate, immunizations
Online portal or in-person office
Fill out form with child’s details and upload documents
Get confirmation and track your application
Get school assignment letter and attend orientation
Putting a kid in the right public school can feel like a maze, especially if you’ve just moved to Chesapeake or are new to the system. This guide walks you through each part of the Chesapeake Public Schools enrollment process, from checking which school your address belongs to, to the final paperwork hand‑off. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do, what to bring, and how to avoid common snags.
When you hear the name Chesapeake Public Schools, think of a district that serves over 60,000 students across 70+ schools in Virginia. Enrollment is simply the process of officially adding your child to that system so they can attend a specific elementary, middle, or high school. The district requires a few documents and a short online or in‑person form to verify that your child lives within a school zone and meets state health requirements.
Any child who will be a resident of Chesapeake before the start of the school year can enroll, from pre‑K (age 4) up through grade 12. If you’re a military family or a temporary resident, the district still welcomes you-just be ready to provide additional paperwork like a lease or a housing order.
Gather these items before you start filling out forms. Missing paperwork is the top reason families get delayed assignments.
The first thing to do is see which school your address belongs to. The district’s school zone map lets you type in your street address and instantly shows the assigned elementary, middle, and high schools. If the map lists more than one option for a grade level, you’ll usually get a choice based on capacity.
If you’re still unsure, call the School District office at 757‑555‑1234. A staff member can confirm the zone and even suggest nearby magnet programs that match your child’s interests.
Chesapeake offers two ways to submit the enrollment form:
Feature | Online Enrollment Portal | In‑Person Office |
---|---|---|
Speed | Instant confirmation (within 24hrs) | Typically 2-3business days |
Document upload | Secure PDF upload | Hand‑in original copies |
Assistance | Live chat and video tutorial | Face‑to‑face help from staff |
Hours | 24/7 access | 9AM‑5PM, Mon‑Fri |
Most families find the online portal easiest, but if you have a lot of original documents or need personal guidance, dropping by the office works fine.
Whether you’re online or in‑person, the form asks for the same core information:
Watch out for common entry errors: misspelling a street name can send the paperwork to the wrong processing center, and forgetting to attach the immunization PDF will trigger a “incomplete” status email.
After you hit submit, you’ll receive an automatic confirmation email with a tracking number. Use that number on the portal’s “My Applications” page to see real‑time status updates - “Received,” “Documents Verified,” or “School Assigned.” If you opted for in‑person enrollment, the office will give you a paper receipt with the same tracking code.
Within 5-7 business days, the district sends a school assignment letter. The letter includes:
Print this list or save it on your phone. Tick each item as you complete it.
Yes. Mid‑year moves trigger a “transfer enrollment.” Bring the same documents plus a copy of the previous school’s withdrawal form. The district usually assigns a school within ten days.
A birth certificate is mandatory for identity verification. If you don’t have one, request a certified copy from the Virginia Department of Health - it takes 3-5 business days.
Indicate the need on the enrollment form under the “Special Services” section. The district’s Special Education Department will contact you within 48hours to set up an evaluation.
Public school enrollment is free. Fees only apply for optional activities like sports uniforms or field trips.
File a transfer request during the open enrollment window (early March‑April). You’ll need a justification (e.g., change of address or program fit) and may be placed on a waitlist.