Schools and childcare in the US

Public school is free and your child has the right to enrol regardless of immigration status. Which school you get is decided by your home address — childcare, on the other hand, is expensive.

Key points to understand

Enrolling: your address sets the school district; expect proof of residency and immunisation records

Enrolling: your address sets the school district; expect proof of residency and immunisation records. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Every child has the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status

Every child has the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Childcare is one of the biggest costs in the US — check state assistance programmes

Childcare is one of the biggest costs in the US — check state assistance programmes. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.