Registration – For Parents – Rutherford County Schools

The first day of school for 2019-2020 is Tuesday, August 6, 2019 (two-hour day) and the first full day of school is Thursday, August 8, 2019. The full calendar is available here. Registration is held directly at each school.

KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

The following law took affect 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.

For questions about pre-kindergarten options and eligibility, please contact Linda Prichard in the instruction department at 615-893-5812.

Pre-registration at all Rutherford County schools offering kindergarten is held each spring at the zoned school. Parents should call their child's zoned school for specific registration dates. To determine your zoned school, please enter your address HERE or call the transportation office at (615) 893-5815, ext. 22100.

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 beginning of 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.

GENERAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION (ALL GRADES)

Documents parents should bring for registration:

Birth certificate or other official record of birth
Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization*
Proof of residence **
Current proof of custody of the child if parents are divorced, separated or unmarried.

*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.

** Proof of residence is current utility bills – electric, gas or water – with the parent's name and address printed on it. If parents have not been living at the residence long enough to have a utility bill, a lease on a house or apartment will be accepted, or you can get a statement from the utility company showing you have started service at the specific address.

Detailed information on immunizations can be found HERE.

STUDENTS TRANSFERRING FROM OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS

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 required documentation (see above) so schools can place students into the appropriate classes.

For students entering from out of state, parents must take their child's immunization records to the Rutherford County Health Department, 303 N. Church St. 100 W. Burton St. , Murfreesboro, or 108 David Collins Drive, Smyrna, or contact a local physician to have the immunization record transferred to the Tennessee Certificate of Immunization.

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.