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. 

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 - Contact your school for an activation code to access your account.

Step 3 - Once you have your activation code, use the link below and click 'activate account' to login and begin the enrollment process. 

Activate & login to ParentVUE

• Parent/guardian’s Photo ID or Passport (for verification purposes only)
• Two pieces of address verification (dated within the past eight weeks)
  • Examples: Current utility, cable, or satellite bill; landline or mobile phone bill; 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.
  • Copies of envelopes are not acceptable for address verification.
• Student’s Certificate of Immunization Status or Certificate of Immunization Exemption. Visit our Immunizations webpage for more details.
• Student’s Birth Certificate or Passport: This only applies to students who are entering kindergarten or 1st grade, or are applying to our Special Education Preschool program. 

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.

Children must be three or four-years-old on or before August 31, 2023 to qualify for preschool. 

learn more and apply for PRESCHOOL

Apply to attend a school other than your neighborhood school

The Non-Neighborhood Choice application for 2023-24 is closed. The application will open in the fall for the 2024-25 school year.

Learn more about choice enrollment

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 a platform called Edgenuity 6-12 and Schoology K-5. While students generally participate in learning activities independently, they are provided multiple forms of support.

LEARN MORE & ENROLL AT TACOMA's ONLINe school

Before a non-resident can apply to attend a school in Tacoma Public Schools a Release of Attendance (via OSPI Choice Transfer Request Portal) must be granted by the district of residence. Permission must be granted annually by the district of residence.

1. Complete the OSPI Choice Transfer Request Portal (Release of Attendance). Once completed, an automatic email will be generated to your Resident District to release the student. Enrollment Services will receive an automatic email, which will be sent to the school to review for possible placement. Continue to step 2 if you are a first-time applicant or returning but moving up a building (transition to middle or high school).
2. Once a release has been obtained, complete the Non-Resident Application Form, and return the application to Enrollment Services.

Submit Your Non-Resident Application Form:

• Email: enrollmentservices@tacoma.k12.wa.us
• Fax: (253) 571-1141
• In person to the Enrollment Services Department

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.