Gwinnett County students prepare to head back to school on Aug. 4

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students will begin the new school year on Monday, Aug. 4.  Ahead of the first day of classes,  many back-to-school events are planned to help families and students get ready for the new school year. Parents are urged to visit their school’s web site for specific dates and times. These events offer families the chance to meet their student’s teachers, and get information on bus routes, school clubs and other activities.  

Registration for new Gwinnett students

New students registering at a Gwinnett County school for the first time should contact their local school for details regarding registration, testing for placement, and procedures, and/or to ensure an interpreter is available, if language assistance is required.

1. Start the registration process online 
   Families can upload documents needed for registration. Most document attachments (PDF, JPG, DOC, PNG, etc.) are compatible. The file size limit is 2 MB. (Families without internet access can bring documents to the school on designated days.) 
2. Visit your child’s new school to complete the process. Call your local school about additional registration dates and hours.  Parents unsure which school their child will attend should use “School Look-up” or “School Locator” to find their zoned school.  

Documents needed for registration: 

• An official document showing proof of birth date. Examples include a certified copy of a birth certificate or birth registration and an official state, federal, county, or school document with a date of birth. For a fee, parents can order a birth certificate for a child born in Georgia through the state’s ROVER service.  
   
• Proof that you live in the attendance zone. The school requires proof that you live in the attendance zone. You must present a current utility bill (telephone bills are not acceptable) with one of the following documents:  
  • Non-contingent sales contract,  
  • Current lease/rental agreement,  
  • Current residential property tax statement or bill,  
  • Current warranty or quit claim deed,  
  • Current home purchase agreement,  
  • Current homeowner’s insurance policy. This document must include the same address as the accompanying utility bill.  

*An exception: A deed without an address is acceptable if accompanied by two utility bills (telephone bills not acceptable) with the same address in the attendance zone. A contingency contract is not sufficient.  

• Residency Affidavit: If the student’s family is residing in the home or apartment of another individual, the following is necessary for enrollment:   

1. The individual with whom the student’s parents/guardian resides must accompany the parent to the school to provide identification and proof of residency.  
2. Notarized third-person affidavit of residency (available at school), including the signature of the person with whom the family is living, the signature of the parent/legal guardian of the student, and the apartment manager’s signature, if applicable.  
3. Two forms of Proof of Residency for a person with whom the family lives (See Proof of Residency section.)   
4. One piece of business mail in the parent/legal guardian’s name, with the address of the home or apartment where the student resides. (This must be provided within 30 days of enrollment.)   

• Call your local school if you live with a friend or family member and need information about verifying your residency.
• Proof of custody/guardianship. Proof of Guardianship is required for registration if the enrolling adult is not the birth parent. The following persons are authorized to enroll students:   
  • Parent (natural or adoptive)   
  • Legal guardian   
  • Grandparent with a properly executed power of attorney for the care of a minor   
  • Kinship caregiver with a properly executed Kinship Caregiver Affidavit    
  • Foster parent appointed by a state agency   
  • Sponsor for approved International Exchange Program   

• A photo ID. The person enrolling a student should present proper identification. This identification may include a driver’s license, a state identification card, a passport, or other official photo identification, such as an ID card obtained through an official government agency or consulate.  
•  A Georgia certificate of immunization. By state law, a valid certificate of immunization (Form #3231) or a notarized Affidavit of Religious Exemption (Form #2208) is required for enrollment. The certificate of immunization must be completed by the health department or your private physician. A valid Form #3231 must be marked with either “Date of Expiration” or “Complete for School Attendance.” (A certificate marked with a “Date of Expiration” expires on the date indicated. A current certificate must be submitted within 30 days of expiration.) A medical exemption, if applicable, should be noted on Form #3231 with a current expiration date.  
• Evidence of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening obtained in the past year. This information should be on a current Georgia Form #3300 (rev. 2013), available from the health department or your physician and dentist and dated within the last 12 months. Letters from appropriate healthcare professionals and out-of-state certificates are acceptable if completed within the previous 12 months and stapled to the state form. International certificates are not acceptable.  
• Your student’s Social Security number. State law requires that schools ask for this number at enrollment. Students will be enrolled even if the number is not provided. However, parents will be asked to sign a waiver.  

For more on registration, visit www.gcpsk12.org.