Military Families

Military-Connected Students and Families

For our military-connected students and families, BCPS is honored to provide a variety of services and accommodations to make your transition to our District as seamless and stress-free as possible. These accommodations, which adhere to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, apply to:

Children of active-duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve Component service members on active duty.
Children of service members or veterans who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired, for one year after discharge or retirement.
Children of service members who have died while on active duty, for one year after death.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHICH SCHOOL MY CHILD WILL ATTEND?

School-aged children living within Broward County are assigned to a school based on their primary residential address and grade level. This is the child's assigned school.

To find the school assigned to your home address using our School Locator feature.

You can also call the Demographics and Enrollment Planning Department at 754-321-2565. You will be asked to provide your address and your child's grade level, and staff will assist in helping you identify the school your child is assigned to attend.

WHERE DO I GO TO ENROLL MY CHILD IN SCHOOL?

Once you’ve determined which school your child will attend, visit the school to complete the enrollment process. Bring with you any documents and records you have to assist the school in placing your child appropriately. To learn more, visit browardschools.com/registermychild.

As a military-connected family, below are District accommodations for your child:

Kindergarten and first grade enrollment age:

Students can continue in the same grade, regardless of entrance age requirement, if they have already started kindergarten or first grade in their previous school.
Students may go on to the next grade, regardless of age requirement, if they have successfully completed kindergarten or first grade.

Course and education program placement:

BCPS honors placement in courses or programs based on the student’s enrollment, participation or placement in comparable programs from the previous school. District staff may perform an evaluation to ensure the student’s placement is appropriate.
The District may waive course or program prerequisites, if similar coursework has been completed at the previous school.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO ENROLL MY CHILD IN SCHOOL?

Military identification and official military orders
Proof of age - child’s birth certificate
Student health records - Florida Certificate of Immunization (form DH 680) and proof of physical exam in the last 12 months are required within 30 days of enrollment.
Letter or transcript showing attendance, academic information and grade placement. Unofficial records are accepted; the school will request official records from the previously attended school.
Proof of guardianship, if the student resides with a legal guardian
Proof of address

CAN MY CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN SPECIALIZED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS?

Yes. Each innovative District school offers a variety of options for students. Families are encouraged to explore all of the options available at their assigned school.

In addition, BCPS understands that families want to have options for their child's education, which may include a choice other than their assigned school. Parents and guardians may submit an application for magnet programs, Nova Schools or school reassignments during School Choice application windows.

Military families are given first preference for admission to all magnet programs, provided students meet eligibility requirements. Military families also receive first priority for school reassignments and admission to Nova schools.

WHAT IF THE SCHOOL CHOICE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED?

School choice applications are accepted December – February of each school year. However, parents and guardians who are active-duty military can still submit a School Choice application for a school with space available, even after the deadline has passed.

To explore your child’s School Choice options and apply online, visit browardschools.com/schoolchoice. You can also call 754-321-2480 for more information.

CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS OR OTHER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?

BCPS will make every effort to provide children of military-connected families the opportunity to participate in sports and extracurricular activities, as long as they meet the requirements.

Note: BCPS adheres to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules, including the requirement that a student to be enrolled at a school prior to being allowed to try out for sports teams at that school.

IS BEFORE-SCHOOL CARE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AVAILABLE FOR MY CHILD?

MY CHILD IS IN HIGH SCHOOL; HOW WILL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS BE IMPACTED?

BCPS understands there are extenuating circumstances in your child’s transition to a new school. Our administrators, counselors and educators will work with you to make sure he or she meets graduation requirements. BCPS may:

waive courses required for graduation, if a similar course has been completed in the previous school.
accept out of state exit exams, end of course exams, or national achievement tests in lieu of local/state testing requirements for graduation.
allow a student to receive a diploma from his or her previous school, if the student does not have time to meet BCPS graduation requirements.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL BCPS SERVICES AVAILABLE TO HELP MY CHILD DURING THE TRANSITION TO THE NEW SCHOOL?

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR HELP?

BCPS partners with Southern Command to provide services for military families. For help and information, contact:

Mia Terrazas, LCSW
School Social Work Supervisor
Student Services Department
(754) 321-1550
Mia.terrazas@browardschools.com

Garth Gourley, School Liaison
Officer U.S. Army Garrison – Miami
305-437-2633
garth.b.gourley.naf@mail.mil

Families can also email: militaryinitiative@browardschools.com

Community Resources for Military Families

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission

Addresses some of the educational challenges that transitioning children of military families face. To learn more, visit the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission homepage. To find a school liaison officer who can assist with school issues, visit the Department of Defense School Program or call 859-244-8133.

Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Military Family Resources

Provides support to students of military families as they adjust to new living environments, schools and peer groups, while experiencing periods of family separation. For information, visit the Florida Department of Education or call 850-245-7851.

Broward Regional Health Planning Council’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

This multi-agency alliance assists veterans in re-acclimating to civilian life. For more information, contact 954-561-9681

U.S. Department of Defense program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help from expert tutors, available 24/7, at no cost to active duty service members and their eligible dependents. Visit Military Tutor.