Enrollment & Assignment

In Orange County Schools, every school offers a safe and welcoming environment to learn and grow. Our caring and professional educators will engage, challenge, and inspire your child to reach their maximum potential. 

Whether your child is starting kindergarten or transferring from another school, we value your child and care about preparing them to succeed now and in their next phase in life. 

Enroll online in Orange County Schools following the process below. Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year and the Hillsborough Elementary Lottery is now open! 

The application window for Hillsborough Elementary School will close on March 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

To enter Kindergarten in Orange County Schools, children must be five (5) years old on or before August 31. If you child is not eligible for Kindergarten, you may still apply for Pre-Kindergarten. 

If you are unsure of your child's base school, you can identify it by using our School Site Locator. Please note: Hillsborough Elementary School, our year-round K-5 school, does not have an attendance zone which means it is not considered a base school. If you wish to enroll your child in Hillsborough Elementary School through the lottery system, visit our learn more section.

To complete the enrollment process, upload an electronic copy to the online application or provide the documents to your child's school:

• Parent/Guardian State Issued Photo Identification (Preferred) or Passport
• Proof of Domicile in the name of the Parent/Guardian
• Student Birth Certificate
• Custody Documents (if applicable)
• Immunization Records and NC Physical Health Assessment Form
  • According to N.C.G.S. 130A-440, every child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time must receive a health assessment. A parent or guardian must submit a physical health assessment (no more than 12 months prior) within the first thirty (30) calendar days from the first day of attendance.