Enrollment and Residency
New student enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is open.
Families with incoming students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 5th grade at El Morro Elementary and Top of the World Elementary will have the chance to participate in an on-campus orientation this spring.
elementary school - New Student Enrollment flyer
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Extended Day Program
- GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT GUIDELINES
- NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT PROCESS
- RESIDENCY VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (NEW ENROLLMENTS)
- LAGUNA BEACH PRESCHOOL
- TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN
- KINDERGARTEN
- ANNUAL DATA CONFIRMATION (ALL STUDENTS)
- ANNUAL RESIDENCY VERIFICATION (CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS)
- ANNUAL NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS
- INTERDISTRICT TRANSFERS
- INTRADISTRICT TRANSFERS
GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT GUIDELINES
Grade-Level Placement:
It is recognized that students do their best work in school when they are placed in a grade with other students of the same chronological age. The following links provide LBUSD guidelines for placing students at the appropriate grade level. Please contact your assigned residential school if you have any questions regarding grade-level placement.
NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT PROCESS
- 1. MEET DISTRICT RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
- 2. OBTAIN REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
- 3. COMPLETE ONLINE STUDENT ENROLLMENT
- 4. PRINT AND SIGN CONFIRMATION PAGE
- 5. SUBMIT COMPLETED DOCUMENTS TO SCHOOL
- 6. SCHOOL SITE ENROLLMENT CONTACT INFORMATION
1. MEET DISTRICT RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
The first step in the enrollment process is to verify residency by completing the Residency Verification Affidavit and providing supporting documentation. Please review LBUSD Residency Requirements below. If you are unsure whether you reside within the LBUSD boundaries, use the LBUSD Street Listing.
During online enrollment you will be prompted to upload the Residency Verification Affidavit and supporting documents.
2. OBTAIN REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
With new student enrollment, you will be asked to enter required information into the Aeries Online Enrollment system. Please gather the documents listed below and make sure you have this information available before continuing. You will be prompted to upload the documents during the enrollment process. If you do not have this information available, please return to this online enrollment system when you do.
Proof of Age
Acceptable documents to show proof of age:
- Official birth certificate
- Certificated copy of the birth certificate: (how to get a registered birth certificate copy)
- Baptismal certificate
- Alternate birth record
- Affidavit of birth by parent/guardian
- Current valid passport
Proof of Immunization Records
Required for certifying up-to-date immunizations for each student. Click the link below for an explanation of the student health requirements for school entry. All forms and information can also be found in the Health Services Department.
Required Immunizations by Age and Grade
Senate Bill 277 Frequently Asked Questions
All kindergarten students must have completed a physical examination no more than six months prior to entering kindergarten. If an exam is completed between six and 12 months prior to kindergarten entrance, another physical exam will be required prior to entering first grade. All first-grade students must have completed a physical examination no more than 18 months prior to first-grade entry.
Report of Health Examination for School Entry (English)
Report of Health Examination for School Entry (Spanish)
The following additional information:
- Names and contact information for at least three (3) emergency contacts
- Previous school’s name(s), address(s), and district information for the prior two years
- An academic transcript or report card from your previous school.
- Proof of withdrawal from any previous school district
- Court Custody, Restraining Orders, or other papers (if applicable)
- For Special Education students: current or most recent IEP and assessments.
- For GATE (Gifted And Talented Education) students: prior test scores and/or certification forms.
- For EL (English Learners) students: a copy of current ELPAC scores.
3. COMPLETE ONLINE STUDENT ENROLLMENT
LBUSD Student Online Enrollment
**The online process will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and requires a valid email address. Please use the email address where you would like to receive correspondence from the school. It is recommended that you complete the process using a computer or laptop rather than a mobile device. You will be prompted to upload required documents during online enrollment process. You can logout and resume if the process takes longer than expected, or if you need to gather the required documents that need to be uploaded.
4. PRINT AND SIGN CONFIRMATION PAGE
5. SUBMIT COMPLETED DOCUMENTS TO SCHOOL
The preferred method is to upload the required documents during the online enrollment process. All documents that were not uploaded should be emailed to the school site using the email addresses shown below. If you are unable to email documents, you may mail them via the US Postal Service to the school of enrollment.
Laguna Beach High School - enrolllbhs@lbusd.orgThurston Middle School - enrolltms@lbusd.orgEl Morro Elementary - enrollems@lbusd.orgTop of the World Elementary - enrolltow@lbusd.org
6. SCHOOL SITE ENROLLMENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Laguna Beach High School - enrolllbhs@lbusd.orgThurston Middle School - enrolltms@lbusd.orgEl Morro Elementary - enrollems@lbusd.orgTop of the World Elementary - enrolltow@lbusd.org
RESIDENCY VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (NEW ENROLLMENTS)
In accordance with Laguna Beach Unified School District Board Policy 5111.1, the Governing Board desires to admit all students who reside within district boundaries or who fulfill the district residency requirements through other means as allowed by law. This process is outlined in the New Student Residency Verification form linked below.
Residency documents must be submitted to the school of enrollment before a student may be enrolled in a school in the District. Students will not be enrolled if there is a failure to meet the residency requirements.
A Residency Declaration packet must be completed by a parent/guardian of each student who fits any of the following circumstances:
- New student to LBUSD
- Previously enrolled student who withdrew and is now returning to LBUSD
- Transferring a student from one school to another within LBUSD
- Address change/change of residency within LBUSD
- All LBUSD families annually for Annual Residency Verification proces
Reference Information:
LAGUNA BEACH PRESCHOOL
Laguna Beach Preschool, opening fall 2024, is a full-day, tuition-based program for children aged 2.9 to 4 years old by August 15. Aligned with the district's elementary curriculum, our preschool prioritizes developing essential developmental and pre-academic skills. This ensures a smooth transition to elementary education and sets a foundation for future success. The full-inclusion program is located at El Morro Elementary School. Applications for the 2024-25 school year open on March 1. For inquiries, please contact Director of Early Learning Kimberly Johnson at kjohnson@lbusd.org.
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN
Enroll your 4-year-old turning 5 between September 2, 2024, and June 2, 2025, in TK for the 2024-25 school year. Choose from early or late start options. Classes will be held at both Top of the World and El Morro school sites, with extended day programs available. Check below for future TK expansion dates. For additional details, contact Director of Early Learning Kimberly Johnson at kjohnson@lbusd.org.
Enrollment FlyerTransitional Kindergarten Extended Day Program
Transitional Kindergarten Student Eligibility
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Student |
5th birthday between September 2 - February 2 | 5th birthday between September 2 - April 2 | 5th birthday between September 2 - June 2 | 4th birthday by September 1st |
KINDERGARTEN
Note: Once you finish reviewing this section, please continue on the "New Student Enrollment" section above to begin the enrollment process.
To enroll for the 2024-2025 school year, students must be 5 years old by September 1, 2024.
El Morro and Top of the World elementary schools offer a full-day kindergarten program for students which is held daily from 8:15 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., except on Wednesdays, when dismissal is at 1:10 p.m.
All kindergarten students must have completed a physical examination no more than six months prior to entering kindergarten. If an exam is completed between six and 12 months prior to kindergarten entrance, another physical exam will be required prior to entering first grade. All first-grade students must have completed a physical examination no more than 18 months prior to first-grade entry.
According to a California law, Education Code Section 49452.8, all kindergarten and/or first-grade students, whichever is his or her first year in public school, are also required to have an oral health assessment (dental check-up). Oral Health assessments completed up to 12 months before your child enters school will meet this requirement. The law specifies that the assessment must be done by a licensed dentist or other licensed dental health professional.
Report of Health Examination for School Entry
Oral Health Assessment - English
Oral Health Assessment - Spanish
ANNUAL DATA CONFIRMATION (ALL STUDENTS)
Education Code #48980 requires that at the beginning of each school year, all school districts shall notify parents/guardians of their educational rights and responsibilities under the law. Additionally, LBUSD policy requires that an annual update of student information be completed prior to the first day of school. The LBUSD Data Confirmation Process combines these two requirements within the Aeries Parent Portal.
ANNUAL RESIDENCY VERIFICATION (CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS)
Each school year, every family is required to submit a Residency Verification Affidavit form and one acceptable form of residency verification. Residency verification is necessary to preserve the quality and safety of the learning environment for students in Laguna Beach, as well as comply with the California Education Code and Laguna Beach Unified School District's Board Policies and procedures. All students who attend LBUSD schools must physically reside at the address listed on student records and within the LBUSD boundaries, unless they have an approved inter-district permit.
Residency verification documents must be provided to your student’s school before May 15 each year in order to assure that your student will remain enrolled. The preferred method of document submission is by email to the site email addresses listed below. Please submit your documents to your student's current school of attendance. If you are unable to email your documents, please send them to your student's school site via US mail. Students who do not have verified residency documents on file may be dis-enrolled and unable to start the new school year. You may submit your residency verification forms anytime between April 15 and May 15.
- Laguna Beach High School: LBHSresidency@lbusd.org
- EL Morro School: EMSresidency@lbusd.org
- Thurston Middle School: TMSresidency@lbusd.org
- Top of the World: TOWresidency@lbusd.org
***Please make sure to put your child's last name, first name in the subject line if submitting through email.
ANNUAL NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS
California Education Code section 48980 requires that, at the beginning of the first semester or quarter of the regular school term, the governing board of each school district must notify parents/guardians of their rights or responsibilities under certain provisions of the Education Code. Other provisions of California and United States law also require notification of parents/guardians.
Education Code section 48982 requires that this notice be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to your child’s school. Your signature on this notice is an acknowledgment that you have received the notice and have been informed of your rights, but the signature does not indicate that consent to participate in any particular program has been either given or withheld.
California and United States law requires certain other notices in the event that specific circumstances should arise, affecting your child’s education and attendance at school. If any such circumstances should arise, the District will provide notice as required by law.
INTERDISTRICT TRANSFERS
LBUSD Interdistrict Transfer Process/Timeline
In accordance with LBUSD Board Policy #5117
LBUSD will be accepting and processing Interdistrict Transfer Agreements for the following school year from March 1 through May 15 of each year. Failure of a parent/guardian to meet any timelines established by the district shall be deemed an abandonment of the Interdistrict Transfer request . Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The Superintendent or designee may deny initial requests for Interdistrict Transfer Agreements due to limited district resources, or overcrowding of school facilities at the relevant grade level.
If a student's Interdistrict Transfer Agreement is denied, the Superintendent or designee shall, in writing, notify the parents/guardians of their right to appeal to the County Board of Education within 30 calendar days from the date of the final denial. (Education Code 46600.2)
Interdistrict Transfers are valid for one year only and must be renewed annually, with the exception of students who are on an Interdistrict Transfer Agreement during grade 10 and wish to continue on the Agreement for grades 11 and 12. In this case, the Interdistrict Transfer Agreement shall not be rescinded after the student's completion of grade 10. An Interdistrict Transfer Agreement is required if a student is a first-time applicant in grades 11 or 12.
TRANSFER REQUESTS IN TO LBUSD
- When this process is used:
When a student zoned to attend school in another district wants to attend an LBUSD school, their parent/guardian must request an Interdistrict Transfer Agreement form from the District of Residence (e.g., Capistrano, Newport-Mesa, Saddleback, etc.). The District of Residence is the district the student is zoned to attend according to their residence address/location.
- How to complete the form:
The Interdistrict Transfer Agreement form is typically located on the District of Residence’s website. The parent/guardian/guardian completes STEP 1 of the form. The District of Residence completes and approves STEP 2. The form is then submitted via email to Connie Byrnes in the Instructional Services Office at cbyrnes@lbusd.org or mailed via US Mail to Laguna Beach USD, Attn: Interdistrict Transfers, 550 Blumont Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
- LBUSD Approval or Denial:
LBUSD reviews and either approves or denies the request. These requests are DENIED with the following two exceptions:
(1) The student’s parent/guardian is a full-time, permanent employee of LBUSD (classified employees who work 6-8 hours daily as a benefitted employee and teachers with a 60% or more teaching assignment). The parent/guardian must be a direct employee of the district, not simply work in the vicinity of the district for another company/entity in Laguna Beach.
(2) If a student has attended LBHS through the end of their 11th grade year and subsequently moves out of the district boundaries, they may apply to attend LBHS to complete their 12th grade year.
- After Approval or Denial:
LBUSD Instructional Services Office completes STEP 3 of the form. If the student meets at least one of the above two exceptions, the form is marked APPROVED and copies are sent to the parent/guardian and the District of Residence. If the student does not meet at least one of the above two exceptions, the form is marked DENIED and a letter informing the parent/guardian of this decision, and their right to appeal, is mailed to the parent/guardian and a copy is sent to the District of Residence.
TRANSFER REQUESTS OUT OF LBUSD
- When this process is used:
When a student zoned to attend LBUSD wishes to attend a school in another district, their parent/guardian must complete an Interdistrict Transfer Agreement form. This form is also available on our website under the “Enrollment” and “Interdistrict” tabs.
- Completing the form:
The form is divided into three steps. The parent/guardian must complete STEP 1 and submit the form to the LBUSD Instructional Services Office. The form can be completed online and submitted to Connie Byrnes in the Instructional Services Office at cbyrnes@lbusd.org or mailed via US Mail to Laguna Beach USD, Attn: Interdistrict Transfers, 550 Blumont Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. For students who are not currently enrolled at LBUSD, Residency Verification must be provided to confirm that they reside within LBUSD boundaries prior to approval of the Interdistrict Transfer Agreement.
- Completing the form:
- LBUSD Approval or Denial: Most of these requests are APPROVED. The requests are reviewed on a case-by-case to ensure awareness by the school of attendance and to verify that residency requirements are met in the case of a student who does not attend an LBUSD school.
- After Approval or Denial:
If approved by LBUSD, STEP 2 of the form is completed by the LBUSD Instructional Services Office with the appropriate “decision” box selected. The approved form is sent to the Proposed District of Attendance or provided to the parent/guardian to be delivered to said district.
Once the approved form is sent to the Proposed District by LBUSD, the final decision for admittance depends on the Proposed District. If there are questions regarding this step in the process, the parent/guardian must contact the Proposed District directly.
If the request is denied by LBUSD, the parent/guardian is notified by the Instructional Services Office in writing of the denial along with information regarding their right to appeal the decision.
- Form is Completed:
Once the Proposed District completes STEP 3 of the form, copies are distributed appropriately. A copy of the form is filed in our district records.
Denials by the Proposed District must be addressed between the parent/guardian and the denying district. Parent/guardian is responsible for enrolling their student/s at LBUSD.
INTRADISTRICT TRANSFERS
LBUSD Intradistrict Transfer Process/Timeline
The Governing Board desires to provide enrollment options that meet the diverse needs and interests of district students and parents/guardians, while also maximizing the efficient use of district facilities and resources. The parents/guardians of any student who resides within district boundaries may apply to enroll their child in any district school, regardless of the location of their residence within the district.
The deadline to apply for intradistrict transfers for the 2023-24 academic year is May 15th, 2023.
For further information, and to request an intradistrict transfer application please contact the LBUSD personnel listed below:
El Morro Elementary School
Mary Stinnett
Attendance and Reception Specialist, Elementary
(949) 497-7780
mstinnett@lbusd.org
Top of the World Elementary School
Suzy Capano
Attendance and Reception Specialist, Elementary
(949) 497-7790
scapano@lbusd.org