Welcome to Cincinnati Public Schools
Student Registration Information Packet (Revised - Page 5 - Sept. 2016)
Revised translations:
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Cincinnati Public Schools educates children in preschool through 12th grade:
- Neighborhood Elementary Schools — (grades K-6 and K-8; preschool at most) Assigned to a child based on the child's home address
- Magnet Elementary Schools — (grades K-6 and K-8; preschool at most) Selected by parents via online lottery application process
- Neighborhood Schools with Magnet Programs — (grades K-6 and K-8; preschool at most) Neighborhood by child's home address; Magnet Program by parents via online lottery application process
- High Schools — (grades 7-12) Selected by students and parents via online lottery application process (and paper application for upper grades)
- Combination Schools — (grades K-12) Cincinnati Digital Academy, Oyler School, Riverview East Academy and School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA)
Magnet elementary schools and high schools have special application and enrollment requirements. Some Cincinnati Public Schools have entrance requirements, such as academic entrance exams at Walnut Hills and Dater high schools, and auditions at SCPA's upper grades.
Enrolling
Only a parent or legal guardian may enroll a student in school. A legal guardian must present proper documentation (i.e., custody granted by a court or accredited agency).
Parents/guardians of a student new to Cincinnati Public Schools should bring the following documents to the school to enroll:
- One item showing proof of residency
- Valid photo ID of parent or guardian
- Child's birth certificate
- Child's health record
- Final report card
- Verification of kindergarten attendance, if entering first grade
The parent/guardian also must complete CPS' Student Registration Information Packet.
Neighborhood Elementary Schools
Neighborhood elementary schools are the foundation of Cincinnati Public Schools, serving as Community Learning Centers and neighborhood anchors, and are the main entry points for most students into elementary school. A child is assigned to a neighborhood school based on the child's home address. All students not enrolled in magnet programs are enrolled in neighborhood schools.
To apply to a neighborhood school that is not the child's assigned neighborhood school, see Board Policy No. 5120
More on Neighborhood School Enrollment.
Preschool Enrollment
Kindergarten Enrollment
First Grade Enrollment
Magnet Elementary Schools
Parents must apply for their child to enter a magnet school or program. Applications to magnet schools are made a school year ahead via an online application process.
More on Magnet Elementary Enrollment.
Magnet Schools by Academic Program
Preschool Enrollment
Kindergarten Enrollment
First Grade Enrollment
High Schools
High School applications to grades 7, 8 and 9 are submitted online, and seats are awarded via lottery. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 apply in person at the high school of their choosing.
More on High School Enrollment
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment allows students who live outside the boundaries of the Cincinnati Public School District - but in the state of Ohio - to enroll in CPS schools without paying tuition. Priority always is given to students who live within the CPS boundaries. Application for an open-enrollment seat is made online April 1-30.
Students applying under Open Enrollment must meet any enrollment criteria required by a CPS school.
Transferring In
If a student is transferring from another school within the Cincinnati Public School District (including charter, private or parochial), the parent/guardian will be asked to provide:
- Proof of residency
- Final report card of last school attended
The parent/guardian must complete CPS' Student Registration Information Packet.
Re-entry
If the student is returning from outside the Cincinnati Public School District to the same school in the same school year, the parent/guardian must provide the following documents:
- Proof of residency
- Final report card of last school attended
- Verification of kindergarten attendance, if entering first grade
The parent/guardian should review the CPS' Student Registration Information Packet to update any incorrect information.
Leaving the District
If a student is leaving Cincinnati Public Schools, the parent/guardian should come to the school and fill out a withdrawal form.
Student Records
Each school is responsibile for maintaining individual student's records. Parents and guardians must keep school records up to date by:
- Providing accurate information supported by legal or required documents.
- Telling the school of changes in address and other information.
