Moving to San Antonio and trying to figure out school enrollment? You’re not alone. Between districts, documents, and deadlines, the process can feel confusing when you’re also planning a move. This guide breaks it down so you know what to do, when to do it, and where to go for official answers. Let’s dive in.
Know your San Antonio school options
San Antonio spans many independent school districts across Bexar County, so your assigned campus depends on district boundaries, not city limits. Start by using your district’s online school finder to match your address to a campus. For example, you can find tools and contacts on the San Antonio ISD enrollment page. Visit the SAISD Access & Enrollment Services hub to explore school lookup and registration resources.
You can also consider charter and private options. Charter schools have separate application windows and eligibility rules, and private schools follow their own timelines. For pre‑K, the citywide nonprofit Pre‑K 4 SA offers limited seats with its own application process, so apply early.
Age rules and eligibility
Texas uses statewide age cutoffs that local districts follow.
- Kindergarten: Your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the school year. See the TEA early childhood FAQs.
- State‑funded pre‑K: Generally for children who turn 4 by September 1 and meet eligibility rules. Learn more in TEA’s prekindergarten registration and enrollment guidance.
What to gather before you register
Most districts ask for a similar set of documents. If you’re missing something, call the enrollment office for next steps.
- Parent or guardian photo ID
- Child’s birth certificate or proof of age
- Immunization record
- Proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, deed, or closing documents
- Most recent report card or transcript for transfers
- Social Security card if available (often optional)
- Custody papers if applicable
For a clear example, review SAISD’s list under “How to Register.” See the SAISD document checklist and steps.
Step by step: how to enroll
Follow these steps to keep your move and school start on track.
Before you move
- Confirm your address and assigned school using your district’s school finder. Start with the SAISD Access & Enrollment Services hub if you’re looking in central San Antonio.
- Collect key records: parent ID, birth certificate, immunizations, proof of residency or lease/closing papers, transcripts, IEP/504 plans, and emergency contacts.
- For pre‑K, check application windows for both your district and Pre‑K 4 SA. Seats are limited, so apply early.
When you arrive
- Register online or at the campus. Most districts offer online portals. Northside ISD’s page lists processes for new students, advanced enrollment, and more. See Northside ISD registration.
- Provide immunization records or ask about provisional enrollment or exemptions if eligible. Districts point families to local clinics and state forms. Start with this overview of Texas school immunization requirements.
- If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring copies and request a meeting with campus special services. Under IDEA, comparable services must continue when transferring. Review this summary of transfer rights in the IEP transfer Q&A.
- On first enrollment, you will complete a Home Language Survey. If another language is indicated, the district will assess proficiency and place your child in appropriate services per TEA rules.
Immunizations and exemptions
Texas requires students to meet state vaccine requirements for school entry. Districts may allow provisional enrollment if a child has started but not finished required series, and they monitor follow‑up. Medical exemptions and conscientious exemptions through a DSHS affidavit are available. For district‑level guidance and links to forms, use this immunization requirements overview.
Note that during certain outbreaks, schools may exclude students who are not up to date or exempt. If you need records, contact your prior school, pediatrician, or the state registry.
Special situations
- Students experiencing homelessness: Your child has the right to immediate enrollment, even without documents. Ask for the McKinney‑Vento liaison for help with records and transportation. Learn more from TEA’s Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youths program.
- Military families: Many districts offer advanced enrollment when you have orders and will accept temporary housing documents. Contact the district’s enrollment office to confirm which papers they accept and how to set up transportation.
- English Learners: Districts use the Home Language Survey and language screening to place students in bilingual or ESL services. Ask about dual‑language opportunities and any separate application timelines.
Timing and common pitfalls
- Registration for the next school year often opens in spring. Pre‑K and magnet applications can open months before school starts. Plan ahead to secure placement and transportation. Track updates on pages like Northside ISD registration.
- If you are missing documents, ask about provisional options right away. Keep immunization timelines on schedule to avoid exclusion.
- Residency is verified. If you are staying with family or between homes, districts may accept a notarized affidavit or closing documents. Be up front with the registrar to avoid mid‑year adjustments.
- Some districts evaluate campus consolidations and boundary changes from year to year. Confirm your school assignment when you register and again before the first day of school.
Quick move‑in checklist
- Verify the district and assigned school for your address.
- Gather ID, birth certificate, immunizations, proof of residency, transcripts, and IEP/504 documents.
- Register online or at the campus and ask about transportation.
- If applicable, complete pre‑K applications for your district and Pre‑K 4 SA.
- Request meetings with special services or language support as needed.
Local help from a team that moves families
School planning is a big part of a smooth relocation. Our military‑aware, process‑driven team helps you align neighborhood choices with your enrollment timeline so your child is ready on day one. If you want a calm, organized move with trusted local guidance, reach out to David Abrahams and the Abrahams Real Estate TIES Team.
FAQs
When is my child eligible for kindergarten in Texas?
- Under state rules, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the school year; see the TEA early childhood FAQs.
How do I find my assigned school by address in San Antonio?
- Use your district’s school finder or call the enrollment office; SAISD provides tools and contacts on the Access & Enrollment Services hub.
What if I don’t have my child’s immunization records yet?
- Ask your prior school or pediatrician, then review district steps for provisional enrollment and exemptions in this Texas immunization overview.
Will my child’s IEP services continue after we move?
- Yes, the new district must provide comparable services until a new plan is adopted; see the IEP transfer Q&A.
How early should I apply for pre‑K in San Antonio?
- Apply as soon as the window opens, since seats are limited; check your district timeline and the city’s Pre‑K 4 SA application for dates.
