Welcome to Des Moines Public Schools. Whether you are enrolling your first child into kindergarten or are new to the community, this page provides information on the requirements to enroll and register for school, along with copies of various forms that may be required.

Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 15 of the school year. Children entering first grade must be six years old on or before that date. Parents or guardians must be present at the time of enrollment to furnish the child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth.

State law requires that all students enrolling in Iowa schools furnish a certificate of immunization for diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, rubella and hepatitis B. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccination is only required for children entering preschool or day care. In addition, students who have lived in a country other than the United States within the past calendar year must provide proof of tuberculosis status before attending schools. The Mantoux test is requested.

The Des Moines Public Schools requests that all new students have a physical examination. Physicals are also requested when students enter preschool or kindergarten and third, sixth and ninth grades. Copies of the immunization and physical examination forms are available at all schools. The immunization requirement may be waived for religious reasons.