Welcome to Iowa’s Largest Provider of Public Education

If you are a family new to the school district, or if you are returning to the district, you must contact the Welcome Center located at 1000 Porter Avenue, call 515-242-7371 to enroll your student(s). The Welcome Center can also be reached via email at kindergarten@dmschools.org

HOURS
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
(The Welcome Center will close for 30 minutes each day around the noon hour for lunch.)

Note: The Welcome Center will open at 9:30 a.m. on March 13.

*Required documentation:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of address (please see list of accepted documents below)
  • Student’s immunization records
  • Student’s birth certificate

Accepted address verification documents:

  • Utility Bill or Confirmation of Services (within the last 60 days)
  • Lease or notarized statement from landlord
  • Purchase Agreement
  • Mortgage Statement
  • Polk County Assessors – print copy of web page verifying property ownership
  • Property tax statement
  • Vehicle registration
  • DHS Paperwork
  • Shelter Stay Verification

If you are residing in another person’s home, please provide a notarized statement from that person stating you and your child(ren) are living there, including their name and address, as well as one of the above approved address verification documents in their name.

Children entering kindergarten must be five-years old on or before September 15, 2023. Children entering first grade must be six years old on or before that date. Parents or guardians must be present at the time of enrollment to furnish the child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth.

State law requires that all students enrolling in Iowa schools furnish a certificate of immunization for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, rubella and hepatitis B. Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccination is only required for children entering preschool or day care. In addition, students who have lived in a country other than the United States within the past calendar year must provide proof of tuberculosis status before attending schools. The Mantoux test is requested.

Des Moines Public Schools requests that all new students have a physical examination. Physicals are also requested when students enter preschool or kindergarten and third, sixth and ninth grades. Copies of the immunization and physical examination forms are available at all schools. The immunization requirement may be waived for religious reasons.