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7129 – Comprehensive Student Admission and Enrollment Policy

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7129 – Comprehensive Student Admission and Enrollment Policy

A. Age Requirement

1. General Admission:

Admission to the district is based on a child’s chronological age and demonstrated readiness for grade-level work.

2. Kindergarten Admission:

A child must be at least five (5) years old on or before December 1 of the admission year to be admitted to kindergarten. If a child does not meet this age requirement, they may be eligible for the Broadalbin-Perth Pre-Kindergarten program, with participation determined by the program’s established selection criteria.

3. First Grade Admission:

A child entering First Grade must be six (6) years old on or before December 1 of the admission year. An exception applies for children who have successfully completed Kindergarten in a state-accredited school (public or private).

4. Documentation Requirement: 

Proof of age must be provided by a certified birth certificate or a valid passport. Failure to provide such documentation will result in denial of admission for the intended grade. Only when a birth certificate or passport is unavailable, may the following examples of documentation be used to establish a student’s age: 

  • Hospital or health records; 
  • State or other government-issued ID;
  • Military dependent ID card;
  • Official driver’s license. 

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it a list of required documentation. 

B. Residency Verification 

Admission is reserved for applicants whose primary residence is within the district boundaries.

The Superintendent, acting on behalf of the Board of Education, will determine whether a child qualifies to attend a District school and will issue a written residency determination to the parent or legal guardian.

A child's residence is presumed to be that of their custodial parent or legal guardian. However, certain circumstances may require further verification: 

  • Children Living With Noncustodial Parents
    A noncustodial parent who resides within the District may enroll their child if: 
    • They share day-to-day parental responsibilities, and 
    • The custodial parent designates the child’s residence with the noncustodial parent.

Legal documentation may be required to establish the custodial arrangement. 

  • Children of Activated Reserve Military Personnel
    Students temporarily residing outside District boundaries due to the active military deployment of their parent or legal guardian may continue attending their enrolled District school. However, the District is not required to provide transportation between the temporary residence and the school. 
  • Emancipated Minors
    A student may be classified as emancipated if they can demonstrate they are no longer under the custody, control, or financial support of their parents or legal guardians. To establish emancipation, a student must submit: 
    • Proof of financial independence,
    • Verification of residency within the District, and 
    • Legal paperwork identifying the circumstances of their emancipation and their relationship with their parents or legal guardians. 

Residency statements for noncustodial children, military dependents, and emancipated minors must be renewed annually. Any failure to notify the District of changes or submission of false information may result in legal action. 

Residency Documentation

To establish residency, applicants must submit three acceptable documents (for a complete list, refer to the registration section on bpcsd.org), dated within the past 60 days: 

  • Mortgage Statement, a rental or lease agreement or mortgage statement, or 
  • A current utility bill, 
  • An affidavit of residency approved by District officials.

The District will verify these documents. Incomplete, outdated, or questionable documentation may result in denial of enrollment.

C. Special Circumstances

1. Homeless Students

In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.) and New York State guidelines, any student lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence shall be enrolled immediately.

If available, a letter or certification from a designated homeless liaison, local shelter, or social services agency should be provided for subsequent verification; however, its absence shall not delay enrollment.

2. Students in Foster Care 

Applicants in foster care must present official documentation from the Office of Children and Family Services or a licensed foster agency. This ensures prompt enrollment while confirming the student’s eligibility under statutory definitions. 

3. Nonresidents 

Applicants whose primary residence is outside the District must submit verifiable documentation (e.g., utility bills, tax returns) confirming non-resident status and must agree to pay the required nonresident tuition fees. 

Non-resident admissions are limited by annual District-determined capacity guidelines to prioritize residents. 

4. Children of Nonresident Employees 

Applicants who are children of District employees but reside outside the District must provide proof of the parent’s District employment along with documentation establishing nonresident status. The tuition fee will be in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Contract, set forth at the time of the application.  

Admission under this category is subject to capacity limitations and individual review by the Superintendent.

  • Non-Resident Employees must annually apply for admission. 
  • Parents will be responsible for transportation. 
  • The Student(s) will be subject to the same rules governing student attendance and student discipline. 

5. Non-Resident Student Tuition 

The Broadalbin-Perth Central School District Recognizes its primary obligation to provide a free public education to all school age children who reside within the District. Non-Residents shall be admitted to the extent space is available in existing classrooms and upon a determination that the needs of the students can be met within the District’s existing programs and existing Staff.  

Admission under this category is subject to capacity limitations and individual review by the Superintendent. 

  • Applications are required to be submitted online and will receive annual approval from the superintendent. 
  • Parents must fulfill all required steps as detailed on our website, bpcsd.org in the registration section. 
  • Student(s) from outside the district are required to pay the tuition rate specified on our website. It is important to note that a minimum of fifty percent of the tuition must be paid prior to the commencement of classes.  
  • Parents will be responsible for transportation. 
  • The student(s) will be subject to the same rules governing student attendance and student discipline. 

Note: Nothing in this policy provides for the automatic admission of a non-resident student on the basis that a sibling is admitted.

II. Compulsory Attendance and Enrollment Eligibility

1. Compulsory Attendance Based on Age: 

  • A student who turns six (6) on or before December 1 of a school year is required to attend full-time instruction beginning on the first day of the September session of that same school year.
  • A student who turns six after December 1 is required to begin full-time instruction on the first day of the September session of the following school year.
  • Except as provided in Education Law §3205(3), a student is required to remain in attendance until the last day of the school year in which the student turns sixteen (16). Students who are below or above the compulsory age, yet attend school, must abide by the district’s regular attendance requirements.

2. Extended Attendance for Older Minors: 

In accordance with Education Law §3205(3), the Board of Education may require minors from sixteen (16) to seventeen (17) years of age, who are not employed, to attend full-time instruction until the end of the school year in which they turn seventeen (17).

3. Universal Enrollment Eligibility: 

  • All individuals residing within the district who are between the ages of five (5) and twenty-one (21) and who have not received a high school diploma are entitled to enroll in the district.
  • Undocumented children, like U.S. citizen children, have the right to attend full-time as long as they meet the age and residency requirements established by New York State law.

III. Screening, Evaluation, and Placement Procedures 

A. Diagnostic Screening 

The District shall conduct diagnostic screenings for all new entrants, including: 

  • Students entering the District’s schools for the first time,
  • Students enrolling in kindergarten, and
  • Students who transfer from another school, including private and out-of-state schools.

1. Timeline for Diagnostic Screening 

  • Kindergarten entrants shall be screened prior to December 1 of the admission year.
  • New entrants enrolling after December 1 shall be screened within 15 days of enrollment. 

2. Required Components of Diagnostic Screening

All students subject to screening shall be assessed in the following areas:

  • Academic Proficiency – Standardized tests in reading, writing, and mathematics. 
  • Language Development – English proficiency evaluation using standardized instruments (e.g., WIDA) to identify English Language Learners (ELL). 
  • Special Education Indicators – Observational and developmental screenings to identify potential learning disabilities or delays.

3. Parental Notification & Consent

  • Written parental consent is required before any screening is conducted. 
  • If screenings indicate possible disabilities or language development needs, parents or legal guardians shall be notified in writing of the results, next steps, and available District resources. 
  • Parents shall have the right to request further evaluations if they disagree with screening results. 

4. Follow-Up Evaluations 

  • Students flagged for additional evaluations shall be assessed within 30 days of the screening.
  • If further intervention (e.g., special education services or bilingual support) is required, a formal evaluation process will be initiated according to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and New York Education Law. 

5. Screening Records & Compliance

  • All screening records will be maintained securely in accordance with New York State privacy laws and District retention policies. 
  • Parents may inspect copies of their child’s screening results at any time. 

B. Special Education Evaluation and Services

When there is any indication of a disability, a formal special education evaluation is initiated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.) and New York Education Law §4402 (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/4402). Applicants (or their guardians) must submit existing documentation of the disability. The district will: 

  • Begin additional evaluations within 30 days, 
  • Complete evaluations within 60 days, and 
  • Develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if eligibility is confirmed. 

Enrollment and placement in special education services are contingent upon complete and verifiable evaluation results. 

C. English Language Learner (ELL) Assessment 

Applicants who are not proficient in English will receive a language proficiency assessment within 15 days of application submission. Those scoring below the established proficiency thresholds will be enrolled in an intensive language support program. Assessment results will be documented and reviewed quarterly, with progress reports provided to parents or guardians. Clear documentation is required to determine and maintain ELL status. (NYSED Bilingual Education Guidelines) 

D. Interdistrict Transfers and Appeals 

1. Transfer Requests: 

Applicants from outside the district seeking an interdistrict transfer must submit a formal written request, along with supporting documentation such as proof of residence in their home district and academic records. Such requests are considered only after all eligible local resident applications have been processed and if available capacity exists. 

2. Appeals Process: 

Applicants or families contesting an admissions decision must file a written appeal within 15 calendar days of the decision. The appeal must include any new supporting evidence or a detailed justification for reconsideration. The Board of Education will review the appeal and issue a final written decision within 30 calendar days. Detailed written notices explaining the basis for any denial will be provided.

IV. Administrative Procedures and Recordkeeping

A. Application Process 

  • Access to Application Materials:
    Application forms and comprehensive submission guidelines are available on the district’s official website and at designated district offices. 
  • Submission and Processing:
    Each complete application is assigned a tracking number and reviewed in the order received. Priority is given to applicants who fully meet all documentation requirements.
  • Documentation:
    All required materials—including proof of age, residency, and any special status documentation—must be submitted at the time of application. Incomplete submissions will not be reconsidered.

B. Screening and Evaluation Records

All diagnostic screening results, evaluation reports, and assessment scores will be maintained in a secure electronic and/or paper record for each applicant. These records are retained in accordance with New York State privacy laws and are accessible only to authorized personnel.

C. Compliance and Auditing

Regular internal audits will be conducted to verify adherence to all statutory requirements and district procedures. The district reserves the right to conduct additional reviews if discrepancies are identified.

IV. References and Statutory Citations