Schooling and Childcare

  

When Must My Child Attend School?

Every child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of six and must continue schooling until the age of 16.  Information on schooling is available on the Massachusetts Department of Education. 

Public Schools

Public education is free in the United States.  Most children in Massachusetts go to public schools.  The area of town in which you live determines the school your child will attend.  For information about a town’s school system, call the Massachusetts Department of Education Parent Information Center, (800) 297-0002. District Profiles are also available on the web from the District Superintendennt's website.

All parents must provide the following for each child:

  • Proof you live in jurisdiction.
  • A health record with proof of immunizations.
  • A birth certificate or passport.
  • An academic record with proof of school attendance, grades, etc. to help determine U.S. class placement.

Private Schools

Private schools in the United States are usually expensive. There are some excellent schools in the general Boston area, and you should make an appointment for you and your child to meet with the principal of the school.  Most schools will arrange for your child to spend a day in the classroom “to test the atmosphere” before registering for the term.

Childcare

The Lemberg Children’s Center, an excellent daycare facility, is located in the Lemberg building on the Brandeis campus. If you are interested, please call Dr. Howard Baker, Executive Director, (781) 736-2200, to make an appointment. The Center takes children from 2 to 7 years of age (36 children total) and there is often a waiting list. All childcare facilities in the United States are expensive.

Child Care Resource Center, (617) 547-9861 will give you information on daycare centers and family daycare providers (people who will look after your child in their home, together with a few other children). There is a nominal fee for this service and you will have to investigate the options yourselves. There are several daycare centers in the Waltham area.