Student Registration
Dedham Public Schools feature seven neighborhood schools - five elementary, one middle school and one high school - all led by veteran educators who care deeply about students and their development as scholars and citizens.
With over 2,500 students enrolled, Dedham Public Schools is dedicated to the mission of promoting excellence in learning, self-discipline and motivation. With the support and guidance of over 600 employees, students are encouraged to celebrate differences and be a positive part of the global community. Any child who is currently residing in Dedham may enroll in Dedham Public Schools at any time throughout the year
To be eligible to begin Kindergarten in the new school year, children must be 5 years old by September 1st.
K - 12 Registration Process
Dedham Public Schools want to ensure that the registration process helps set your family and student up for success in the District. We use an online student information system, PowerSchool, to manage all student and family records. All new and returning student registrations are completed in the online PowerSchool portal.
To efficiently complete the registration process, please follow the steps below:
1. Complete the Pre-Registration on the Online PowerSchool Portal
After the registrar approves your request you will receive an email with additional instructions on how to complete registration forms for your student and how to login to the online portal.
2. Gather the required documentation for each student.
3. Use your PowerSchool Portal username and password to complete student registration online.
If you have any questions about the process, or if you have not received your login information, please contact the appropriate registrar:
- Kindergarten - ECEC - Carmel Kerrigan - 781-310-8017 - ckerrigan@dedham.k12.ma.us
- Grades 1-8 - Elementary, DMS - Janet Griffin - 781-310-1000 - jgriffin@dedham.k12.ma.us
- Grades 9-12 - Dedham High School - Amy Norwell -781-310-1125 - anorwell@dedham.k12.ma.us
4. After successful completion of the registration process, the registrar will review and approve all submitted information.
5. Upon approval, the student's assigned school(s) will reach out to families with next steps.
Verification of Residency
To register to attend the Dedham Public Schools a student's parent or legal guardian must submit at least one original document from each of the categories - Residency, Occupancy & Identification - below and any other documents that may be requested, including but not limited to those listed below.
Evidence of Residency
One (1) of the following documents:
Home Ownership
- Recent Property Tax Bill*
- Recent Mortgage Payment*
- Deed
Rent or Lease
- Signed Lease Agreement including the child's name as a resident
*dated within the past 45 days
(Name on document provided must match Photo ID)
Evidence of Occupancy
One (1) recent bill dated within the past 45 days:
- Excise Tax Bill
- Gas Bill
- Electric Bill
- Water Bill
- Cable Bill
Evidence of Identification
One (1) of the following forms of photo ID:
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid MA Photo ID Card
• Government Issued ID
Required Immunization Records
In order to better understand your child’s health status and to meet the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, we require information about your child’s past and present health history and immunization status. This information must be completed before your child will be allowed to enter the Dedham Public Schools.
Full immunization is required before starting school under Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 76, Section 15). A signed immunization certificate from a doctor or clinic must include the month, day, and year of the following immunizations:
⬜ DPT/DTaP (Diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus/DT diphtheria, tetanus/ or Td (DT, adult)
- Preschool: 4 or more doses DPT/DTaP
- Kindergarten-Grade 6: 5 doses DPT/DTaP (4 doses acceptable if 4th dose given on or after the 4th birthday)
- Grades 7-12: 4 or more doses DPT/DTaP or 3 or more doses of Td; plus ⬚1 dose of Tdap
⬜ MenACWY (Meningococcal Conjugate)
- Grades 7-12: 1 dose entering 7th grade 2nd dose (booster) entering 11th grade
⬜ IPV (Polio)
- Preschool: 3 or more doses
- K- 12: 4 doses (3 doses if 3rd given after age 4 and ≥ 6 months after dose 2)
⬜ MMR (measles, mumps, rubella/German measles)
- Preschool: 1 dose
- K-12: 2 doses
⬜ Hepatitis B
- Preschool - Grade 12: 3 doses
⬜ Hib (Haemophilus influenza)
- Preschool: 1-4 doses (depends on the age of the child at initial dose)
- K-12: N/A
⬜ Varicella (chickenpox)
- Preschool: 1 dose or evidence of natural disease
- K- 12: 2 doses or evidence of natural disease
⬜ Tb (tuberculosis screening)
- Preschool-Grade 12: Tb risk assessment (one documented risk assessment anytime since birth)
⬜ Lead Screening
- Preschool or Kindergarten entry: documentation of blood lead screening
- Grades 1-12 N/A
⬜ PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
New students must provide a completed in-person physical examination (either the Massachusetts School Health Record form used by the Dedham Public Schools or your health care provider form) dated within the 12 months prior to the date of school entry. Telehealth is not acceptable for new students.
The only exclusions to these mandates are for medical and/or religious reasons (with an annual written attestation from MD/parent as appropriate) or homelessness.
Registration Resources
Before You Register:
Use this checklist as your guide, as it is best to gather all the required documents BEFORE you begin.
- Photo ID or Drivers License for Parent/Guardian
- Proof of Residence & Occupancy in Dedham
- Proof of Birth
- Physical Exam and Immunization Records
- Transcript/Student Records from Previous School (*required Grades 6-12)
Your application is not complete until ALL documents have been submitted.
Preschool in Dedham
The Dedham Public Schools operates an integrated preschool program at the Curran Early Childhood Education Center.
The integrated preschool has a limited number of tuition-based preschool spaces available each school year. Families with preschool aged children (3+ by September 1st) who are fully toilet-trained and display developmentally appropriate speech/language, social, and play skills may apply for a space in the ECEC preschool program.
This is a separate Registration Process!