FAQ's

What documents will I need to register my student to attend Virginia Beach City Public Schools?
Parents/guardians must register their child at the school he/she will attend with the following documents:

• two proofs of residence/address (lease agreement/mortgage
• statement and current gas, electric or water bills)
• certified birth certificate
• physical examination report (for elementary students only)
• current immunization records
• two current emergency contact phone numbers
• previous school report card/progress report (if applicable)

Please note: Code of Virginia § 22.1-270 requires that a student is immunized and receives a comprehensive physical examination before entering for the first time any public kindergarten or elementary school in a school division. The Code of Virginia § 22.1-360 and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children allow for active duty military dependent children to be enrolled without documentation of immunizations; however, documentation must be provided within 30 days of enrollment. The Compact does not waive the physical examination requirement for these children.

When does the school year begin and end?
VBCPS begins each school year the day after Labor Day and ends each school year in mid-June. Visit the calendar page for detailed information.

What school will my child attend?
The school your student will attend is determined by the address where you reside. Except under special circumstances, students are assigned to a school in the attendance zone in which they live according to School Board Policy 5-14 and Regulation 5-14.1. A parent/ guardian requesting assignment to another school must submit a Student Placement Request Form with supporting documents.

Does VBCPS offer a peer transition program for students to help students adjust to their new school?
VBCPS offers Student2Student to assist peers through transitions at the high school level. Middle Schools and some elementary schools offer Anchored4Life (A4L) program to welcome and transitioning students. Please contact the school your student will be attending for specific details on their peer transition program.

Military families are encouraged to reach out to Military-connected school counselors to assist with transition process.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to notify school at least one week in advance to being withdraw process.

Parents/ guardians are encouraged to obtain a hard-copy records to assist with registering in next location.

Military families with high school students are encouraged to reach out to Military-connected school counselors to assist with transition process.

What academic programs and services does VBCPS offer?
VBCPS offers a variety of academic programs and services at all grade levels. Visit the Academics page on vbschools.com for more information about all of the division’s programs: ranging from pre-kindergarten, special education and language immersion to NJROTC, gifted education and career and technical education.

May military dependent students transferring to Virginia Beach City Public Schools still apply to academy programs?
Yes. If a military family receives official orders transferring them to Virginia Beach, military dependent students may still apply under the Interstate Military Compact provided they meet the residency requirement. Program and contact information is available on the Academy and Advanced Academic Programs webpage on vbschools.com.

What is your homeschooling policy?
The General Assembly of Virginia does permit parents/guardians to provide home instruction to their children as an acceptable alternative to compulsory school attendance. Parents/guardians must submit to VBCPS a notice of intent to provide home instruction. The intent form and more information about home instruction is available on the Home Instruction page on vbschools.com.

The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Virginia Council) was formed to assist in easing the transitions of military students and families as a result of frequent moves and deployments. Virginia is a proud member of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

The Office of Programs for Exceptional Children (OPEC) is prepared to assist military connected families and students through the special education process in VBCPS.

The Parent Support and Information Center  is a resource offered by OPEC to provide parents of students with disabilities information and training.

What if I must leave my child or children in the care of someone for a deployment or other military travel?
In accordance with School Board Regulation 5-10.1, if a service member must leave their child or children in the care of someone for a deployment or other military travel, the appointed guardian must have an unexpired Special Power of Attorney executed under 10 United States Code § 1044b (hereafter called a military POA), by the custodial parent. As set forth in Virginia Code § 22.1-360 this must not be solely for school purposes. You may also be asked to show a copy of your orders or a command letter verifying the military travel requirement.
In order to ensure the safety and security of your child and their records, the guardian must present the military power of attorney to the school before signing any educational documents or receiving communication regarding your child. It is strongly encouraged that the military parent contact the school registrar directly prior to the deployment to ensure the school has updated information and a contact identified who will be receiving communication about your child. Please also ensure the school is informed when you return from the deployment or the POA is no longer effective.

How long is a military POA effective?
A military POA is good for one year. If a POA is due to expire during a deployment, please provide an updated, signed POA to the school before deployment.

How do I obtain a military POA?
A military POA In-Loco Parentis document may be obtained through a local installation’s legal office (such as Naval Air Station Oceana or Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story) or online at: https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal-services/special-power-of-attorney/. The form must include the student(s) name and be signed by at a military legal office or in front of a notary public.

What happens if the appointed guardian lives in another school’s zone or another city?
If the appointed guardian lives in another attendance zone or city, students may be permitted to continue at their current school for the duration of the deployment. During this time, transportation is the responsibility of the guardian.