Enrollment FAQ
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
General Enrollment
How do I enroll my child in Richardson ISD?
You can enroll your child online through the RISD Online Enrollment Portal. Visit the district’s website for step-by-step instructions and required documents.
What documents are required for enrollment?
- Proof of Residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Birth Certificate or other proof of age
- Immunization Records
- Parent/Guardian ID
- Previous school records (if applicable)
What is Proof of Residency, and how do I provide it?
Proof of Residency verifies that you live within RISD boundaries. Acceptable documents include a current lease agreement or utility bill. If you’re unable to provide these, a Residency Affidavit may be required.
Transfers
What is the difference between an Inter and an Intra-District Transfer?
- Inter-District Transfer: For students living outside RISD boundaries who wish to attend an RISD school. Eligible reasons include:
- Child of a district employee
- Senior Privilege
- Change of residence during semester
- Purchased residence
- Intra-District Transfer: For students within RISD who wish to transfer to a different school in the district.
How do I apply for a transfer?
Transfer applications are available on the RISD website. Be sure to review transfer deadlines and guidelines.
What is Senior Privilege?
Can students transfer to another school at the next grade level?
Yes, students may request a transfer to continue at the next level (e.g., elementary to middle school). Approval depends on space availability.
Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment
Is my child eligible to attend Pre-K in RISD for free?
Your child must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the enrolling school year and meet one of the following criteria:
- Unable to speak or comprehend English
- Family meets free/reduced lunch income eligibility guidelines
- Meets federal homelessness criteria
- Child is a dependent of an active-duty military member
- Child of a member of the armed forces injured or killed on active duty
- Child of a STAR of Texas Award recipient
- Child is or has been in foster care
Families who do not meet these requirements may choose to pay tuition to attend Pre-K.
How and when is it decided who gets a seat in Pre-K?
Pre-K 4: TEA requires RISD to seat all children who meet the eligibility criteria to attend Pre-K 4 for free and does not allow for a waitlist for qualifying students. On April 1st, TEA allows RISD to begin the qualification process. If a child does not meet the eligibility requirements they are placed on a tuition waitlist, and we typically begin placing those students towards the end of May and throughout the school year.
Pre-K 3: RISD has a limited number of Pre-K 3 seats across the district and therefore all seats are awarded via a randomized lottery selection process. The initial lottery is typically held towards the end of May, allowing for as many families as possible to be included in the first lottery. Families will receive notification if their child is selected in the lottery process. Additional lotteries are utilized throughout the school year to fill seats as they become available.
What are the priorities for Pre-K enrollment?
Students who meet eligibility criteria and children of RISD employees are given priority. More details are available on the Pre-K website.
Two-Way Dual Language Program
Who qualifies for the Two-Way Dual Language program?
- Emergent Bilingual Students (EBs)
- Identified through Home Language Survey and a language proficiency test.
- Placement is recommended by LPAC (Language Proficiency Assessment Committee).
- No lottery application is required.
- Native English-Speaking Students
- Must apply and be selected through a lottery process. Limited to grades PK-1.
- Parents must commit to completing the full PK-5 program.
- Additional Considerations
- Sibling preference is given to students with older siblings in the program.
- Geographic preference is based on home campus and learning community.
How do I apply?
Applications for the Two-Way Dual Language program are a part of the online enrollment process available in PowerSchool Enrollment for PK, K, and 1st grade. If you are interested, please select “Yes” and complete the application within the online enrollment form. The online enrollment process opens February 25, 2025. Visit the online enrollment website to start the enrollment process. Students will be selected election occurs through a lottery on May 16, and with families will be notified starting beginning May 20. For assistance, please contact us at 469-593-0855.
Which school offers the Two-Way Dual Language Program?
- Located in the Lake Highlands Learning Community
Additional Enrollment Considerations
What if I don’t have Proof of Residency?
What if my family is experiencing homelessness?
Can grandparents enroll a student if they provide after-school care?
Course Selection and Secondary Enrollment
When do secondary students select their courses?
Course selection begins in the spring semester for the following school year. Students will receive guidance from their campus counselors. View the RISD Course Selection Handbook.
What is Central Placement?
Additional Support
What is the Newcomer Center?
Who do I contact for enrollment help?
- Enrollment Parent Support Line: 469-593-0718
- RISD Enrollment Office: 469-593-9126
- Family Services Center: 469-593-9100
What if I’m purchasing a home in RISD?
- Student Services Office: 1500 International Pkwy, Richardson, TX 75081
xPlore (After-School Program)
Am I automatically enrolled in xPlore when I register in RISD?
No, xPlore registration is separate. To learn more and register, visit the xPlore Website