Public Education System

Oregon
In Oregon, public school K–12 registration is overseen by individual school districts, with enrollment generally opening in the spring or early summer before the academic year begins. Parents or guardians must provide key documentation such as proof of age (typically a birth certificate), immunization records, and proof of residency within the school district. Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1 of the school year. Many Oregon districts support online registration platforms, although some may require in-person enrollment or verification. For students transferring from another school, prior academic records may also be required. Since policies and timelines can vary, families are encouraged to contact their local district or visit the district’s website for detailed registration procedures and deadlines.
Oregon Department of Education

Washington
In Washington state, public school K–12 registration is handled by each local school district, with most districts opening enrollment in the spring for the upcoming school year. To register, families must typically provide documentation such as proof of the child’s age (usually a birth certificate), immunization records, and proof of residency within the school district boundaries. Children must be five years old by August 31 to enroll in kindergarten. Many districts offer convenient online registration systems, while others may require or offer in-person options. Students transferring from other schools will usually need to submit transcripts or academic records as well. Because requirements and procedures can differ by district, it is important for families to check with their local district office or website for accurate and up-to-date enrollment information.
Washington State Board of Education
School District Locator

Public School Districts

Benton County, OR
Alsea Community School District
Corvallis Public School District
Greater Albany Public School District
Monroe School District 1J
Philomath School District 17J

Columbia County, OR
Clatskanie School District
Rainier School District
Saint Helens School District
Scappoose School District
Vernonia School District

Clackamas County, OR
Canby School District
Colton School District
Estacada School District
Gladstone School District
Lake Oswego School District
Molalla River School District
North Clackamas School District
Oregon City School District
Oregon Trail School District
West Linn-Wilsonville

Clatsop County, OR
Astoria School District
Warrenton-Hammond 30
Seaside School District

Coos County, OR
Bandon School District
Coos Bay Public Schools
North Bend School District 13

Curry County, OR
Brookings-Harbor School District
Port Orford / Langlois Public School District 2CJ

Deschutes County, OR
Bend-La Pine School District
Redmond School District
Sisters School District

Jackson County, OR
Ashland School District
Central Point School District
Eagle Point School District
Medford School District
Phoenix-Talent School District
Prospect School District
Rogue River School District

Josephine County, OR
Grants Pass School District
Three Rivers/Josephine County School District

Klamath County, OR
Klamath County School District
Klamath Falls City Schools

Lane County, OR
Eugene School District 4J

Lincoln County, OR
Lincoln County Schools

Linn County, OR
Central Linn School District

Marion County, OR
Cascade SD 5
Gervais SD 1
Jefferson SD 14J
Mt Angel SD 91
North Marion SD 15
North Santiam SD 29J
Salem-Keizer SD 24J
Silver Falls SD 4J
St Paul SD 45
Willamette ESD
Woodburn SD 103

Multnomah County, OR
Centennial School District
Corbett School District
David Douglas School District
Gresham-Barlow School District
Parkrose School District
Portland Public School District
Reynolds School District
Riverdale School District

Polk County, OR
Central SDJ
Dallas SD2
Falls City SD57
Perrydale SD1

Tillamook County, OR
Neah-Kah-Nie School District 56
Nestucca Valley School District #101
Tillamook School District #9

Washington County, OR
Banks School District
Beaverton School District
Forest Grove School District
Gaston School District
Hillsboro School District
Sherwood School District
Tigard-Tualatin School District

Yamhill County, OR

McMinville School District
Newberg School District

Clark County, WA
Battle Ground Public Schools
Camas School District
Evergreen School District
Green Mountain School District
Hockinson School District
La Center School District
Ridgefield School District
Vancouver School District
Woodland School District
Washougal School District

Klickitat County, WA

Goldendale School District
Glenwood School District
White Salmon Valley School District 405-17
Klickitat School District 402
Trout Lake School District

Private Schools

The Portland metropolitan area—including Greater Vancouver in Washington State— provides a wealth of opportunities for private education. Directories of schools and other information that can assist parents in making a sound decision can be requested from these national and regional organizations:

Oregon Department of Education
Washington State Board of Education
National Association of Independent Schools
Archdiocese of Portland
Archdiocese of Seattle

Select Private Schools

Cedarwood Waldorf School
Portland Waldorf School

Charter Schools

In Oregon, charter schools are publicly funded and operate under a charter agreement with a sponsoring school district or the Oregon Department of Education, allowing them to offer specialized curricula and flexible instructional methods. In Washington, charter schools are similarly publicly funded but function independently from traditional school districts, and are overseen by the Washington State Charter School Commission or approved local districts to provide innovative educational options.
Oregon Charter Schools
Washington Charter Schools

Home Schooling

In Oregon, parents who wish to homeschool must notify their local Education Service District (ESD) within 10 days of withdrawing their child from public school and comply with state guidelines, including periodic testing at certain grade levels.
Oregon Home Education Network

In Washington state, parents who choose homeschool must file an annual Declaration of Intent with their local school district and meet specific instructional and qualification requirements set by state law.
Washington Home-Based Instruction