Register Now: ACPS Urges Families to Enroll New Students Before School Starts
Early registration helps Alexandria schools plan classrooms, hire teachers and avoid the first-day enrollment rush.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Public Schools is urging families to register new students now rather than waiting until the 2026–27 school year begins on Monday, Aug. 24.
Delaying registration can affect classroom planning, teacher hiring and class sizes—and may make a child’s first days of school more stressful. The message is especially important for families with rising kindergarten students, who account for more than 90% of new registrations, according to ACPS.
“Starting school is a big milestone, especially for our youngest learners and their families,” ACPS Chief of Staff Dr. Grace Taylor said. “When families register early, it gives us the opportunity to connect with them sooner, answer questions and make sure they feel welcomed and informed every step of the way.”
ACPS reports that early registration increased 15.5% this year, rising from 1,417 applications submitted between April 23 and July 1, 2025, to 1,637 between April 15 and July 1, 2026.
Families should begin at acps.k12.va.us/register, where they can confirm age requirements, review required documents and access the school attendance-zone locator. Assistance is available in the division’s five most commonly spoken languages.
After submitting the online form, families must contact their child’s school to arrange an appointment with the registrar and present the required documents. English learner students entering grades 1–12 should receive registration assistance through the ACPS Central Office.
REGISTER BEFORE AUG. 24
In-person registration event:
Monday, July 27, 2–6 p.m.
Summer registration help:
Mondays through Aug. 17, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location:
ACPS Family and Community Engagement Center
1701 N. Beauregard St., Door 12, sixth floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Start online:
acps.k12.va.us/register
