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Enrollment Requirements & Forms

The first time a child enrolls in a district school, the parent, legal guardian, or temporary caregiver must present proof of their child’s age and Chicago residency, and the required medical forms before the start of the school year. Review the information below or contact your school with questions about required forms.

Proof of Age

Proof of age includes, but is not limited to, one of the documents listed below:

  • Child’s original birth certificate
  • Child’s baptismal record (not accepted for preschool enrollment)
  • U.S. or Foreign Passport
  • Court documents (accepted for preschool enrollment — foster children only)
  • Medical records (not accepted for preschool enrollment)

*State-issued medical card also accepted for preschool enrollment only.

Proof of Current Address

Proof of current address includes, but is not limited to, any two of the documents listed below:

  • Current utility bills
  • Illinois driver’s license or State of Illinois identification card
  • Deed
  • Employee identification card
  • MediPlan/Medicaid card
  • Voter registration card
  • Court documents
  • Illinois Department of Public Aid card
  • Stamped United States Post Office change of address form
  • Illinois state aid check/social security check
  • Other identification card issued by a federal or state agency or a foreign government consulate, such as a Matricula Consular

Medical Compliance

Immunizations and physicals are required for students entering ninth grade. It is recommended that students receive their immunizations and physicals prior to the end of their eighth grade year. View the Health Forms for Parents and Caregivers page for specific forms.

Physical Examination Requirements

All students must have a physical examination within one year of:

  • entering schools in the State of Illinois for the first time at any grade level
  • entering kindergarten or first grade, fifth grade, and ninth grade (ages 5, 11, 15 for ungraded programs)
  • entering preschool up to age 6 (physical exam and lead screenings)

Immunization Records

  • Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus (DTP/Td)
  • Inactivated Polio
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Haemophilus Influenza, Type B (HIB)
  • Conjugate Meningitis (MCV4)

Recommended Vaccine

  • HPV (human papillomavirus)

Dental Requirements

All students in kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grade must have a dental exam completed by a licensed dentist prior to May 15th of the current school year.

Pre-K Requirements

Once you have accepted an offer for placement in a CPS-managed preschool program, the school will communicate enrollment information. When you visit your chosen school to register your child, bring the following documents: 

  • Proof of child’s age
  • Proof of current Chicago address
  • Health forms, including physical examination, immunization, and dental

Chicago Early Learning lists types of documents accepted for preschool enrollment. Learn more about CPS health requirements for preschool students.