Registration and Enrollment

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS

The following law took effect for all kindergartners beginning in August 2013.Tennessee Code Annotated, 49-6-3001(b)3: Children entering kindergarten shall be (5) years of age on or before August 15.

Kindergarten registration is now open. To register a Kindergartener, please follow the process detailed above for new students or sibling students. If you are unable to register online, please reach out to your school-of-zone for directions on in-person registration. 

It is important for parents to register their children for kindergarten during pre-registration, if possible, so schools can plan for the number of children to ensure an orderly start to the school year.

Rutherford County Schools utilizes a 5-day phase-in period at the beginning of the school year for kindergarteners.  After registration, the parent will receive a schedule showing when their child will be in school for the phase-in period. At the end of the phase-in period, all kindergarten students attend a full day of school every day for the remainder of the school year.

• Core School Supply Lists

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER MAY 15, 2026, WILL BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. 
(Due to volume of applications, applicants will not be updated on status of application.) 

For questions about pre-kindergarten options and eligibility, please visit the Voluntary Pre-K Info page or contact Ann Haley in the instruction department via email at [email protected].

Recommended documents for registration:

• Birth certificate or other official record of birth (TN birth certificates can be obtained by calling the Rutherford County Health Department at 615-898-7880)
• Proof of Residency
• Current proof of custody of the child if parents are divorced, separated or unmarried.
• A copy of the student's high school transcript (if applicable)
• Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization  -- A list of all health requirements can be found HERE. To get a Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization, parents should contact their child's health care provider or the Health Department to schedule an appointment for a kindergarten physical. At that time, any additional shots that may be needed will be given to meet state requirements for entrance into school and a Certificate of Immunization will be issued.
  
  Detailed information on immunizations can be found HERE.
  
  New to Tennessee? The Rutherford County Health Department allows parents to upload an out of state immunization record to be transferred to the TN Certificate of Immunization. The TN certificate can be emailed to the parent or picked up in person. Click here to access the form.

 Students entering the Rutherford County School system should be registered at their zoned school as soon as possible. The child's last report card is needed in addition to the other documentation (see above) so schools can place students into the appropriate classes.

New to Tennessee? The Rutherford County Health Department allows parents to upload an out of state immunization record to be transferred to the TN Certificate of Immunization. The TN certificate can be emailed to the parent or picked up in person. Click here to access the form.

Only a custodial parent or legal guardian may register the child. The custodial parent or legal guardian must show proof of guardianship by presenting a copy of custody papers or court order.