Starting school in the United States can be exciting, but can also feel overwhelming. The resources found on this page are designed to help navigate and understand the U.S. school system. Here, you will find information on enrolling in school, understanding how public education in the U.S. works, learning about every child’s right to a free public education, accessing language support, and connecting to additional resources to help you succeed in school.
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RESOURCES: School Enrollment & Navigating School
Education in the U.S.
Education in the U.S.
Resource Type: Website
Author: Settle In
Languages: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, and more. Select the language menu in the upper-right corner of the page to choose your preferred language.
Description: This resource provides an overview of the U.S. education system, including school levels, attendance requirements, enrollment, and ways families can support their child’s education and engage with schools.
Starting School in the United States A Guide for Newcomer Students’ Families
Starting School in the United States A Guide for Newcomer Students’ Families
Resource Type: Infographic
Author: Regional Educational Laboratory NorthwestI
Languages: English
Description: This guide helps newcomer families understand what to expect when enrolling a child in school in the United States.
Find My School: Public School Locater Tool
Find My School: Public School Locater Tool
Resource Type: Website
Author: Find My School
Languages: English
Description: This tool helps families locate their local public school based on their home address. Caregivers can use it to identify nearby schools and access basic school information.
Fact Sheet: Information on the Rights of All Children to Enroll in School
Fact Sheet: Information on the Rights of All Children to Enroll in School
Resource Type: PDF
Author: U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education
Languages: English
Description: This fact sheet explains the rights of all children to attend public school regardless of immigration status. It also outlines what documents schools may request during enrollment.
After-School Activities in the U.S.
After-School Activities in the U.S.
Resource Type: Website
Author: Settle In
Languages: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, and more. Select the language menu in the upper-right corner of the page to choose your preferred language.
Description: This resource explains common after-school activities available to children and youth in the United States, including sports, clubs, and enrichment programs that can support learning and social connection.
After-School Activities in the U.S.
Childhood Vaccination Requirements for Students in the U.S.
Resource Type: Website
Author: Settle In
Languages: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, and more. Select the language menu in the upper-right corner of the page to choose your preferred language.
Description: This resource helps families understand common school vaccination requirements for school enrollment.
Summer Activities and Camps for Children
Summer Activities and Camps for Children
Resource Type: Website
Author: Settle In
Languages: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, and more. Select the language menu in the upper-right corner of the page to choose your preferred language.
Description: This resource introduces families to summer programs and camps that can help children stay engaged, build friendships, and continue learning during school breaks.
A Guide to the American School System 101
A Guide to the American School System 101
Resource Type: Website
Author: AISE
Languages: English
Description: This guide helps newcomer students and their families understand how schools in the United States work, including grade levels, school staff roles, class options, extracurricular activities, academic expectations, and college preparation.