Get Started in TPS

Enrollment for New Families

These directions are for families who have never had a student enrolled or evaluated in a special program in Tacoma Public Schools. 

Step 1- Use our address lookup tool to find your neighborhood school and confirm you live within our district attendance boundary area. 

Step 2- Gather the information and documents you will need to complete the enrollment process. Review the list of documents you will need below. You'll need to upload a photo or scanned copy of the documents when registering your student in our online portal (ParentVUE) OR you can choose to bring a paper copy to the school for review.

Step 3- Families who have never enrolled a child in Tacoma Public Schools will need to create a new ParentVUE account.

If you have other students currently or previously enrolled in the district, please follow the process for current, returning or previously enrolled families.

Enroll a new student

Enrollment for Current TPS Families

Families who have/had a student enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools, including students who have been evaluated in a special TPS program. Please note that currently enrolled students do not need to re-enroll. 

Step 1 - Use our address lookup tool to find your neighborhood school.

Step 2 - Log into ParentVUE and complete the enrollment application.

log into ParentVUE

If you have not signed into ParentVUE or if you have any issues signing into your account, please contact your school to support. If you have previously enrolled in TPS, but you have not created an account in ParentVUE, you may need an activation code.

• Parent/guardian’s Photo ID or Passport (for verification purposes only)
• Address verification:
  • If you own or rent your residence, two pieces of address verification: Utility, cable, or satellite bill (dated within the past 8 weeks); landline or mobile phone bill (dated within the past 8 weeks); mortgage statement in your name showing the residence address; copy of the Lease/Rental agreement in your name showing the residence address, dates, and signature page; property tax bill for the residence; insurance documents; official mail from a public agency such as DSHS or the courts; real estate purchase contract
  • If you are sharing a home with another individual or family within the district’s boundary, a third party verification is required along with any two proofs of residency from above with the homeowner’s name and address.
  • If you are in transitional or unstable residence, talk to your school’s counselor or contact our McKinney-Vento office at (253) 571-1054 for assistance.
• Student’s Certificate of Immunization Status or Certificate of Immunization Exemption. Visit our immunizations webpage for more details.
• If you are applying for any preschool program, kindergarten, or 1^st grade, one of the following documents to verify your student’s date of birth:

  • Birth certificate

  • Passport

  • Hospital or Doctor’s Records

  • Adoption Documents

  • Court Records

  • DSHS Records

How to Submit Your Documents

Upload a photo or scanned copy of the documents listed above when registering your student in our online portal (ParentVUE) OR you can choose to bring a paper copy to the school for review.

The enrollment process is not considered complete until the school has received all required enrollment documentation. 

State, federal and local funding allows us to offer half-day (AM or PM) and full school-day programs across the district for qualifying families. Space is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment into a program.

Apply for PRESCHOOL

Apply to attend a school other than your neighborhood school

Learn more & apply for choice enrollment

To attend a school in Tacoma Public Schools while living within the boundaries of another school district, you will need to complete two steps.

First, use OSPI's statewide portal to submit a choice transfer request and get permission from your district of residence to attend another district. Then, you can submit an application to attend a school in TPS. 

Tacoma Online is a K-12 school that provides students an anywhere/anytime online school experience. Students engage in academic learning led by teachers through an online platform. While students generally participate in learning activities independently, they are provided multiple forms of support.

LEARN MORE & ENROLL AT TACOMA's ONLINe school

Tacoma Public Schools offers a second plus chance to students (ages 16-21) who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of high school. Washington state law makes this possible under the provisions of ESSHB 1418, an Open Doors Youth Re-Engagement Program.

Our programs provide an individualized approach as alternative pathway for students to realize their full potential and obtain their diploma.

Learn more about Willie Stewart Academy

Learn more about the requirements for home schooling your child

Students experiencing homelessness are not subject to provide address verification or required documents. Visit our McKinney-Vento Program webpage for more information.

Families in the military have a right to enroll your child anytime during the school year and as early as the spring for the following school year, if you present documentation of your pending relocation.  

Required Documentation to Enroll

• Parent/guardian photo ID or passport
• Documentation of pending military relocation to the state
• Student Certificate of Immunization Status

Proof of Residency

You will have 30 days after relocation to provide proof of residency. 

• If you live in the Tacoma School District boundaries, you have the option to keep your child in the school where they enrolled or elect to transfer your child to your neighborhood school. 
• If you do not live in the district boundaries, you must complete the OSPI Choice Transfer Request to remain enrolled in TPS. This process is outlined above under the title "Transfer to Tacoma Public Schools from Another District."

Resource: Advance Enrollment for Military Children