SPRING 2024
All returning registration needs to be done through the Parent Portal. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the registration process. If your question does not appear below, please contact the Student Support Services department of Waukegan Public Schools at (224) 303-3603, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Q: Will my child be assigned to a new school for next year?
A: Students who are currently enrolled in Waukegan Public Schools this year will be automatically rolled over to the next school year at the same school. Only students entering grades kindergarten, 6, and 9 will need to prove residency again and will be assigned to a school based on their current address. Students in all other grade levels will simply confirm their address and update phone numbers, emergency contacts, and health information.
Q: What do I do if I want my child to be assigned to a different school for next school year?
A: Parents may request a transfer to a different school when extreme hardships exist. Examples cited in Board Policy 6002 include safety factors, conflict with school personnel, or child care arrangements. District bus transportation is not provided to students approved to change schools based on a parent voluntary transfer. This request form can now be completed online here.
Q: Who needs to register for next year?
A: All parents need to confirm contact information and intent to return to the district. Only students entering grades kindergarten, 6, and 9 will need to prove residency. Any student that is new to Waukegan Public Schools will need to do the full registration process.
All current students in grades Kindergarten through 11 will be enrolled for the new school year. Students will only be disenrolled upon notification from the parent/guardian that the student will not attend Waukegan Public Schools in the fall, or if the student does not start the first week of school.
Q: How can I register my child?
A: Starting March 18th, log in to your Parent Portal and click "more" to find the link for online registration. This application will give you a chance to update contact information. Parents of students entering kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade will need to upload a picture or pdf of their proofs of residency. You will also be able to email the paper proofs to the school office to comply with the residency requirement.
Q: Do I need to submit a proof of residency?
A: Only families with students who are new to Waukegan Public Schools or are continuing enrollment entering grades kindergarten, 6, or 9. Proofs are not required for continuing enrollment into the other grade levels.
Q: What documents are considered proofs of residency?
A: Two of the following are required for proofs of residence:
Lease - Must have parent/guardian's name, landlord's name, and current address.
Mortgage Papers - Must provide document showing possession of property—not closing date.
Gas Bill - must be current (within 2 months), must be in parent's/guardian's name
Electric Bill - must be current (within 2 months), must be in parent's/guardian's name
Water Bill - must be current (within 3 months), must be in parent's/guardian's name
Illinois Driver's License or State Identification Card - Card must be current and in Parent/Guardian's name
A notarized affidavit is required for any proof that is not in the parent or guardian's name.
Q: When is kindergarten registration?
A: If your child will be 5 years old prior to September 1st, please do a registration application online. A registration event will be held on Saturday, April 6th and April 27th at Whittier Elementary School. Please sign up for a time at wpskinder.youcanbook.me .
Q: Do I still have to register for Kindergarten if my child is currently enrolled in WPS Pre-k?
A: Parents of students currently enrolled in pre-k who are eligible for kindergarten should register via the parent portal. This window opened on January 16th ahead of the older students.
Q: I am new to Waukegan, or my children are coming to Waukegan Public Schools from a private school, when and how can I register my children?
A: Please do a registration application online. You may make an appointment to visit the Welcome Center at http://wps60appt.cxmflow.com/index.html. At that time, you will need to bring an original birth certificate with you to the Welcome Center and any other information not submitted online. (2 proofs of residency, medical/immunization paperwork, Illinois Transfer Form, IEP for special education students, transcripts for high school students)
Q: When is the deadline to register for next year?
A: Returning students need to be registered by April 30th. Parents and guardians who did not register by April 30, 2024, will need to wait until school resumes in the fall to update contact information. Over the summer, registration fees will be applied to all students for whom the school has not been notified of not attending Waukegan Public Schools in the fall. Fees will be refunded for any student who does not attend in the fall. Addresses need to be up to date by July 28th to ensure accurate bus routing for the first day of school. No students will be excluded from school for lack of providing a proof of residency or other paperwork. This will need to be completed by the parent or guardian after the school year has begun.
Q: When will I know where my child will attend school next year?
A: A notice will be sent home for all current students prior to the end of the school year with the school assignment for August.
Q: What if I move during the summer?
A: At any time you have an updated address, please provide the new proof of residency to your child's school as soon as possible. This ensures that bus routes and mailings are updated quickly. This also greatly assists in any time of emergency. Over the summer months, the elementary and middle school school offices are closed. During that time, you may submit your new proof of address to the Welcome Center at 742 W. Greenwood Avenue during regular business hours. Pre-K updates may be made at Robbie Lightfoot Early Learning Center and high school updates may be made at Waukegan High School year round.
Q: What are the registration fees and how do I pay them?
A: All current students will be charged the spring/mail-in registration fee for next school year. This fee will be applied to student accounts at a later date. You may pay for this fee at any time after August 31st online in the Parent Portal. Families with approved fee waivers on file will be exempt from this fee. Please notify the school office if you are transferring to a new school district for the new school year. If your child does not return in the fall, these fees will be refunded. ***If you believe your household income qualifies you for a fee waiver, please obtain a waiver form from your current school office.
2024-2025 Fee Schedule
Kindergarten - $75.00
Grades 1-5 - $105.00
Grades 6-8 - $120.00
Grades 9-12 - $135.00