ACADEMICS / PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
Registration
In order to register for kindergarten, children must five years of age on or before September 1 of the enrollment year. Newcomers will need to provide proof of residency in the form of a utility bill, rent receipt, or mortgage papers as well as the student’s social security card. Also helpful are transcripts from the previous school or contact information for the registrar at the last school attended.
All immunizations must be up to date and verified by physician signature. Required immunizations include oral polio vaccine; measles, mumps, and rubella; hepatitis B; and chicken pox unless documentation verifies that the child has had the disease. For more information on public education in Texas or answers to specific questions, contact your local school district or the Texas Education Agency:
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin 512-463-9734
https://tea.texas.gov/Home/
Information & Referral
Educational Technology
http://tea.texas.gov/technology
School Laws & Rules
http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Legal_Services
School Data & Education Directory
https://tea.texas.gov/Reports_and_Data/
Texas K-12 Schools Online
http://tea.texas.gov/curriculum/txvsn
Assessment & Testing
Several standardized aptitude and achievement tests are administered to students at different ages, from state-developed tests to the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. For answers to questions or statistics on a specific school district or school, contact:
Division of Student Assessment
512-463-9536
https://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment
Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS)
https://tea.texas.gov/curriculum/teks/
Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools organized and operated by individuals or groups rather than the state. These schools enjoy a significant amount of freedom to create innovations in educational and administrative practices. For more information about charter schools or a list of charter schools in your area, contact:
Division of Charter Schools
512-463-9575
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Schools/Charter_Schools/
Magnet Schools
The magnet system focuses on a special interest curriculum while providing core academic courses that meet graduation requirements. For information on magnet schools in or near your area, contact your local school district.
