Moving to Lamorinda: School Enrollment Basics

Moving to a new home with school-age kids can feel like a puzzle. If you are relocating to Happy Valley in Shasta County, you want a clear path to enroll your child without last-minute surprises. This guide walks you through how to find your assigned school, the documents you will need, California vaccine rules, and the key timelines to follow. Let’s dive in.

Find your assigned school

Your first step is to confirm which public school serves your new address. The Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) can help you verify district boundaries and direct you to the correct district office. Many districts offer online school finder maps, but the district office remains the final authority for placements and attendance areas.

Understand district types

• Elementary districts serve grades K–6 or K–8.
• High school districts serve grades 9–12.
• Unified districts serve grades K–12.

Happy Valley addresses may feed into different elementary and high school districts depending on the exact location. Always confirm your specific assignment with SCOE or the local district office.

Charter and private options

Public charter schools operate under their district or county authorizer and use their own application, lottery, or waitlist process. If you are considering a charter, check application windows early. Private and parochial schools set independent admission requirements and timelines, so contact each school directly.

Follow the enrollment steps

1. Confirm your district and assigned school through SCOE or the local district.
2. Ask the district or school for the current registration timeline and process. Many offer online portals.
3. Complete registration forms and upload or submit required documents.
4. Provide immunization records and any prior school records. Ask about any new-student assessments.
5. Finish school-specific steps such as transportation registration or orientation.

Bring these documents

Districts may ask for one or more of the following. Start gathering them early.

• Proof of residency in the district (examples: lease or mortgage statement, recent utility bill, property tax bill, or driver’s license with address)
• Proof of your child’s age (birth certificate, passport, or other legal proof)
• Immunization/vaccine records
• Previous school records or transcripts, especially for middle and high school
• Parent or guardian photo ID
• Court paperwork for guardianship or custody, when applicable

Immunizations and health

California requires students to meet state immunization requirements for school entry. Personal belief exemptions are not allowed. Only valid medical exemptions are accepted under state rules.

Common required vaccines include DTaP, polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, and Varicella. Requirements vary by age and grade and are updated periodically. If your child receives vaccines close to your move, keep copies of updated records and share them with the school. Some districts may allow provisional enrollment while records transfer. Ask your school for guidance.

Some schools may request physicals or vision and hearing screening results. County health programs can help families access these services.

Kindergarten and TK

California sets statewide rules for kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) eligibility. Recent TK expansion has rolled out in phases, and local districts provide the exact cutoff dates for each year.

If your child is close to the age cutoff, contact your district early to confirm eligibility and the daily schedule. Districts differ in how they structure TK, including part-day or full-day programs.

Transfers and choice

• Intra-district transfers let you request a different school within your assigned district. Policies and timelines vary.
• Inter-district transfers let you request attendance in another district and require approval from both the home and requested districts.

Charter and choice programs may use lotteries or waitlists when there are more applicants than seats. Deadlines matter. Submit forms early and keep copies of everything you send.

Special education and EL services

If your child has an IEP, share the current IEP and recent evaluations during enrollment to help the new school plan services promptly. Districts coordinate to maintain services when families move. For 504 plans or medical accommodations, provide documentation so supports can start quickly.

If your child’s primary language is not English, the district will typically administer the state English language proficiency assessment and place your student in appropriate programs if eligible. Ask the district for details on timelines and support services.

Students with special circumstances

Homeless students and foster youth have the right to immediate enrollment even without typical documents under the McKinney‑Vento Act. District homeless liaisons and SCOE can assist with transportation, records transfer, and other supports.

If your student is arriving from another state or country, bring school transcripts and immunization records. For international students, provide any required immigration documentation to the district.

Transportation, meals, and care

Bus eligibility depends on distance from school and route availability. In rural areas, routes can fill quickly, so register early if your district offers transportation.

Families can apply for free or reduced-price meals through the district. Some districts participate in programs that offer universal meals for qualifying schools. Keep an eye out for before- and after-school care sign-ups, as well as preschool options through the district, SCOE, or local providers.

Timeline and checklist

Six to eight weeks before your move

• Contact SCOE and the likely district to confirm boundaries and your assigned school.
• Gather documents: proof of residency, birth record, immunization records, photo ID, and prior school records.
• Ask about TK and kindergarten eligibility dates and application windows.

Two to four weeks before school starts

• Complete online or in-person registration with your assigned school.
• Submit immunization records and schedule any needed vaccinations.
• If applicable, request transfer of IEP/504 documents and ask about evaluations or placement.

After enrollment confirmation

• Register for transportation and meal programs.
• Attend orientation or open house.
• Follow up on any outstanding forms or health requirements.

Confirm details and contacts

For the most current information, contact:

• Shasta County Office of Education for boundary confirmation, county programs, and special education coordination
• Your local school district office for registration portals, document requirements, and calendars
• California Department of Education for statewide enrollment and TK/kindergarten policy
• California Department of Public Health for current school immunization requirements
• CA School Dashboard and district reports for public performance and program data

Planning a move is a big step, but a clear enrollment plan will save you time and stress. If you would like a local perspective on neighborhoods, timelines, and the home search process, reach out to Alexis Thompson for thoughtful, high-touch guidance tailored to your move.

FAQs

How do I find my assigned school in Happy Valley?

• Contact the Shasta County Office of Education or your local district office. Online school finder tools can help, but the district office is the final authority.

What documents do I need for California school enrollment?

• Most districts require proof of residency, your child’s birth record, immunization records, and a parent or guardian photo ID. Some may request prior school records.

Can my child start mid-year after we move to Happy Valley?

• Yes. Public schools enroll year-round. Expect a short processing period while the school reviews records and completes placement.

Are vaccines required for school in California?

• Yes. California requires state-mandated vaccines for school entry. Personal belief exemptions are not allowed; only medical exemptions are accepted.

How do transfers work if I want a school outside my area?

• Submit an inter-district transfer request. Approval is required from both your home district and the requested district, and timelines vary.

When should I register for kindergarten or TK in Shasta County?

• Register as soon as you have your address and the district opens enrollment. Ask your district for the current TK eligibility dates and deadlines.