Magnet lottery and registration

To enroll in the City School District of Albany, New York State Education Law requires that students be residents of the district and of age to attend school. The following documents must be submitted to demonstrate this:

1) Documentation of birth

One of the following. Copies will not be accepted unless they are clear enough to read:

• Original birth certificate
• Original baptismal certificate
• Passport

Parents must be able to demonstrate they are the person in parental relation to the child, over whom they have total and permanent custody by providing supporting documents.

The following will be permitted as proof of birthday only if none of the above documents exist or can be produced:

• Official driver’s license
• State or other government issued identification
• School photo identification with date of birth
• Consulate identification card
• Hospital or health records
• Military dependent identification card
• Documents issued by federal, state, or local agencies
• Court orders or other court-issued documents
• Native American tribunal documents
• Records from non-profit international aid agencies and volunteer agencies

2) Parent/guardian photo identification

3) Proof of address (2 different items required in at least one parent/guardian name)

• Parent or guardian must be able to produce one document from each category

• Each must include the name and address of a parent or guardian and must be dated within 30 days prior to registration date

Category 1

• Copy of a residential lease; deed; or mortgage statement
• A notarized Homeowner/Landlord Affidavit: from whom the parent/guardian lease from or live with
• A notarized Third-Party Affidavit: establishing physical presence of the parent/guardian within the school district

All Affidavits will be provided by the Central Registration Office (notarized letters are not acceptable)

Category 2 
Two forms of proof of address from Category 2 will be acceptable only if the parent/guardian is unable to produce a document from Category 1

• Cell phone/telephone bill or welcome letter
• Utility bill (electric, gas) No Water Bills
• Satellite/cable television bill or installation receipt
• Furniture rental statement (e.g. Aaron’s, Rent-A-Center)
• Auto insurance ID card
• Payroll check (dated within the last two weeks) or income tax form
• Social security statements
• DSS/DCYFS documentation
• NYS driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID (issued within 30 days)
• State or other government ID (issued within 30 days)
• Documents issued by federal, state, or local agencies
• Voter Registration Card

4) Official immunization record signed by physician or clinic staff

5) Evidence of custody (Custody papers in the form of a court order or stamped petition are acceptable)

• If the student is not the biological child, documentation must be presented which proves a permanent and total transfer of custody and control has been achieved

6) Report card or transcript for all new students entering middle school and high school

Physical Exam Requirements

New York State Education Law requires all new entrants and students in pre-K, kindergarten, and grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 to have physical exams.  New entrants must submit proof of physical exam within 30 days of the start of the school[Education Law §903, 8 NYCRR §136.3 (c)(1)].  If proof of physical exam is not returned to school before our school physicians come for physicals, your child will have a health appraisal in school. 

The NYS mandated health form is the only physical exam form we are allowed to accept. Dental certificates are also requested but not required for entrance to school.

Vaccination Requirements

Proof of vaccination (Public Health Law §2164) is required within 14 days of the first day of school or day care.  Children must receive the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series to attend or remain in school or day care.  The 14 days may be extended when the student is transferring from out of state or from another country. 

Electronic copies of vaccination information and proof of physical exam may be uploaded  when completing the Health Form during the online registration process. 

If you do not have proof of physical exams or vaccinations, you may also complete and upload a medical release form to allow school personnel to request medical records from your child's physician on your behalf. 

If you are registering a student with a disability who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan be sure to indicate this information so necessary records can be requested.  

For additional information or assistance, please contact our Special Education Department at (518) 475-6150.