Public School Basics

Below you will find information about each education level, registration requirements and frequently asked questions.

Early Childhood/Preschool: For children ages 2.9 – 5

“Early childhood” includes education that takes place at childcare centers or preschool programs. The law does not mandate this type of education – it is optional. There are public and private early childhood centers and preschool programs where children learn to interact with other kids and get ready for kindergarten. In Berkshire County, the Head Start program offers a free preschool option for children ages 2.9 – 5. For more information on this program’s eligibility requirements and the application process please visit the Berkshire County Head Start website https://berkhs.org/.

Some school districts in Berkshire County offer free preschool classrooms for children ages 3 and 4. Spots are limited and families are encouraged to register their children by the given due dates. Please visit your local school district website to find out the registration dates and requirements.

Public Preschool programs offered by the school districts require that children are 4 years old before September 1 of the given school year to be admitted to Preschool, also known as pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) classrooms. For example, if you would like to register your child to attend Preschool in a school district in Berkshire County during the 2023-2024 school year that begins on or before September 1, 2023 and ends around the second or third week of June, 2024, the child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2023. Please keep in mind that while some districts offer preschool classrooms to children who are 3 years old, not every school district has them. Please contact your local school district to find out if they offer a 3-year-old preschool classroom.

Public Preschool programs run Monday – Friday and they typically start at 8:30am and end at 3:30pm from September – June. Please note that times might vary according to your local school district. Private preschool programs and daycare centers may offer different schedules.

Most public preschool programs offer free breakfast and lunch to all income-qualifying students.

Elementary School: Kindergarten – 5th grade, for children ages 5 – 10

Children begin elementary school with Kindergarten, also known as grade K, around the age of 5. Education from Kindergarten up is required and mandated by the law. All children who are ages 5 and up must be enrolled and attending school. The next grade after Kindergarten is 1st grade and it goes up each year to grade five.

Children in elementary schools learn different subjects from one teacher in one classroom. Children at these grade levels develop reading, writing and math skills.

Children in elementary schools attend classes Monday – Friday from September – June. A school day typically starts at 8:30am and ends at 3:30pm. Some school districts offer after-school programs for children in grades 1-5. Please contact your local school to find out more information.

Most public elementary schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all income-qualifying students. 

Middle School: Grades 6-8, for children around the ages of 11-13

Students begin attending middle school at or around the age of 11 with grade 6 and end with grade 8. Students in middle school will have different teachers for different subjects and will switch from classroom to classroom. Some of the subjects middle school students learn are English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Students in middle school attend classes Monday – Friday from September – June. A school day typically starts at 7:30am and ends at 2:30pm. Some school districts offer after-school programs for students in grades 6-8. Please contact your local school to find out more information about the after-school programs available to your student.

Most public middle schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all income-qualifying students.

High School: Grades 9-12, for students around the age of 14-18

Students begin attending high school at or around the age of 14 with grade 9 and end with grade 12. Students in high school will have different teachers for different subjects and will switch from classroom to classroom. Some of the subjects high school students learn are English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Some high schools offer advanced, college prep, and vocational classes to prepare students for college or work. High Schools also offer clubs, activities and sports for students after school. Please contact your local school to find out more information about the classes and after-school activities available to your student.

At the completion of grade 12, students will earn their high school diploma.
Students in high school attend classes Monday – Friday from September – June. A school day typically starts at 7.30am and ends at 2.30pm.

Most public high schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all income-qualifying students.

All public schools in the district at the three education levels (elementary, middle, and high school) are free of cost, and the school district cannot ask you or your child about your immigration status.

How do I register my child to attend a public school?

Parents will contact their local district to find out the enrollment and registration process. Please note each school district has its own registration process, but it will typically involve parents filling out school forms and submitting certain documents.

What documents do I need to register my child to attend public school?

This is the list of documents required by most school districts to enroll children in school:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Child’s immunization list
• Child’s most recent physical exam or proof of scheduled physical exam appointment
• Parent’s photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or consular identification card)
• Proof of address (lease, rental agreement, vehicle registration, or a utility bill)
• For children grades 1 and up who are coming to the district from a different school district, parents need to provide academic records or a student record release to obtain the student’s academic records from their previous school.
• Students who have a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will need to provide a copy of their plan from their previous school.

If you do not have all of these documents, please let your school district know and they will provide you with some alternatives.

What if my child attended school in a different country before moving to the United States?

If your child was attending school in another country in grades 1 or above, you will need to provide your child’s academic records from the previous school. Your child’s grade level will be determined based on their age and academic records. The school district cannot ask you or your child about your immigration status.

What if my documents are in a different language other than English?

Students whose documents are in a different language other than English can provide their documents in their native language, and the school district will translate them at no cost to complete the registration process.

What if my child speaks a different language other than English?

All public schools districts offer English for Speakers of Other Languages classes (ESOL) also known as English Language Learner classes (ELL) which help students acquire English language skills. ESOL/ELL students will receive one to two hours a day of English language classes to help them learn to write, read, and speak in the English language. These classes are built into the student’s school schedule and like the rest of their classes are free of charge. All classes are taught in English, but some accommodations such as visual aids and translated documents might be provided to ESOL/ELL learners while they are learning the language.

Parents who speak a different language other than English have the right to request a school interpreter to help them to communicate with the school team. All school districts have to provide free school interpretation services.

Will I have to pay for my child’s education?

All public schools in the district at the three education levels (elementary, middle, and high school) are free of cost. Students do not have to pay a one-time fee or a monthly fee to register, enroll, or attend classes in a public school.

How do I know which school my child should attend?

The school your child will attend will depend on their age, the town or city where you live, and your home address. Berkshire County has schools at the three education levels (elementary, middle and high school) throughout the different areas of your city or town. Your child will typically attend the school that is closest to your home that meets the child’s age and education level requirements. Once your child is registered and enrolled in your school district, they will let you know the school your child will attend.

What does my child need to bring to school?

While each school is different, students will typically be asked to bring a backpack with a notebook and pen or pencil. Most schools in the district provide the textbooks and technical equipment that students will need for their classes.

All schools provide free breakfast and lunch for qualifying students. Students who do not qualify for free breakfast and lunch can purchase it at a low price. Students can also choose to bring lunch from their homes.

Will my child receive transportation to and from school?

Transportation requirements will vary according to your school district and the distance between your home and school. School districts have established policies around the mileage distance between the student’s home and school which determine whether the student qualifies for free bussing or not. Students who do not qualify for bussing due to the proximity of their home to the school might request transportation and a decision will be made by the district or bus operations office. All school districts have established bus routes and stops, and if a student qualifies for bussing, they will be assigned to the closest bus stop near their home. Schools will provide bussing information for all students who automatically qualify for transportation. If you are not sure if your student qualifies for bussing, please contact your local school. 

What if my child needs special accommodations due to a learning disability or special need?

All public schools are required to provide accommodations and services to children with special needs and/or disabilities. During registration and enrollment, you will have the opportunity to provide information about your child’s disability and the services or accommodations they need. Parents are required to provide copies of any 504 plans or IEP from their children’s previous schools to ensure their new school is aware of the services the child needs. You can contact your child’s school at any time to discuss any concerns about your child’s needs and services or to request an evaluation to assess your child’s needs.

What if my child is sick or unable to go to school?

If your child is ill and cannot attend school, you need to notify the school of their absence as soon as possible. If your child missed school or arrived late due to a doctor’s appointment or another reason, you need to contact the school and let them know. Schools have strict policies around attendance and tardiness; students are expected to be in school every day on time. All grade levels including Pre-K and Kindergarten follow the same policies. It is very important that your child attends school daily and on time. If your child is continuously absent or late to class, the school will contact you to address this issue.