Registration Grades 1 to 12

Welcome to Winchester Public Schools

Steps on how to register a new or returning student entering grades one (1) through twelve (12) are outlined on this website. If you have any questions about registration, please get in touch with the Registrar at registrar@winchesterps.org or through our WPS Family Helpdesk (link)

For more information on registration, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), additionally this page outlines our Homeschool Policies & Procedures.

The WPS looks forward to meeting your family and starting this exciting journey together.

Grades 1 to 12 Registration Process

Confirm Residency

Step 1: Verify Residency and Eligiblity

Students and parents/guardians must be residents of the Town of Winchester to be eligible to attend Winchester Public Schools.

Gather Documents

Step 2: Gather Documents

The registration process is online. Parents/guardians must upload all required documents for each new student to enroll in Winchester Public Schools through the Aspen Family Portal, the information systems database used by Winchester Public Schools. It is encouraged to gather the required documents before starting the online registration process. A list of required documents can be found here (link) and listed below.

We ask that all documents be translated entirely into English. A professional translator should complete all translations before completing the online registration process.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Please have digital copies or scans ready to upload.

  • Driver's license, passport, or government issued photo identification

  • Current property tax bill, lease agreement, quitclaim deed or mortgage statement

  • Cable/internet, electric, oil, or gas bill or statement of service, or home/renter's insurance policy dated within 45 days

  • Immunization records (link) & physical exam report within 12 months of enrollment

  • Birth certificate or Certificate of Adoption

  • This document is part of the online registration and should be completed by those whose children previously attended another school.

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504, evaluations

  • Court orders, active custody agreements

Family Portal Website

Step 3: Access our Aspen Family Portal to Begin Registration

Create an account on the Aspen Family Portal (select “request an account” to begin), or sign in with your existing account, to access the online registration forms. Aspen is WPS’ Student Information System (SIS). The account you create will be maintained and kept throughout your student(s) time at Winchester Public Schools.

Using a computer or tablet for the online registration process is encouraged, as a mobile device may provide challenges.

Once you have set up your Aspen account, you will receive a confirmation email from a "@myfollett.com" account. Clicking on the link will activate your account and allow you to complete the application form. Please check your spam folder if confirmation has not been received.

If you have previously used our online registration process to register your student’s sibling(s), use your existing username and password.

The online registration process allows the parent/guardian to save their application to be completed later. In addition, if required fields are not completed, the parent/guardian will be halted in the process.

Are you having trouble with your account?

School Assignment

Step 4: Receive Student’s School Assignment

After approval from the registration staff, your student will receive their school assignment. Please check your spam folder.

Elementary schools are assigned based on streets within the Town of Winchester (link).

Grades 6-8 attend McCall Middle School (link).

Grades 9-12 attend Winchester High School (link).

Orientation

Step 5: Plan Your Student’s Start at Winchester Public Schools

Students Registering for our Current School Year (2024-2025)

Registration staff will communicate with parents/guardians and administrative staff at the appropriate school to determine a start date for the student. A start date will be finalized after the student’s registration has been completed and approved.

Students Registering for our Next School Year (2025-2026)

Elementary-aged students will receive communication from their elementary school in August. Details from your school regarding teacher assignments and school-based communications will be shared then.

McCall Middle School students and Winchester High School students will receive updates from school staff after the current school year has concluded discussing schedules and details regarding their entrance for the 2025-2026 school year, after a final transcript has been received from their current school.

Step 7: Reference the “Welcome” Website

Visit www.winchesterps.org/welcome for information to support your transition to Winchester Public Schools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Students and parents/guardians must live in the Town of Winchester. Proof of Residency and Proof of Occupancy are required during registration to prove residency.

  • If you do not reside within the Town of Winchester then you are not eligible to register to the Winchester Public Schools. School Committee Policy JFBB: School Choice outlines such policy.

  • Should you be unable to register your student online, you may visit Winchester High School, 80 Skillings Road, to meet with the Registrar and utilize a Chromebook to complete the registration. Please bring all documents with you to finalize the registration.

  • We ask that all documents be completely translated into English. All translations should be completed by a professional translator prior to completing the online registration process.

  • Elementary school enrollments are determined based upon the street the student lives on within the Town of Winchester.

  • Children must attend the elementary school they are assigned to based upon their street address. Annually, the School Committee discusses Open Enrollment to determine if requests are able to be accepted for alterations. School Committee Policy JFC & JFC-R outline such policies.

  • Please view immunizations requirements here.

  • Any family who changes their address must email registrar@winchesterps.org to alter their street address. Proof of Residency and Proof of Occupancy (link) are required to be submitted to make the address change.

  • Families who are re-entering the Winchester Public Schools should email registrar@winchesterps.org to learn more.

  • Kidsborough provides before and after school programs, as well as Winchester Recreation Department. View their sites to learn more about opportunities.

  • From kindergarten through grade twelve, every bus student must register and submit a payment to participate. Registration will be reviewed upon the order received. In the case a waitlist is necessary, families will be notified. Detailed information can be found on the transportation website.

  • Please communicate with the administrative assistant at your child’s school to withdraw your child from Winchester Public Schools.

Homeschooling Policies & Procedures

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, Section 1, and the Charles Decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Winchester Public Schools recognize and honor the right of parents/guardians to educate their student at home. The following procedures have been developed to support parents/guardians through homeschooling.

Step 1: Complete and return the homeschool intent application (PDF) to Jessica Palino (jpalino@winchesterps.org), Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent.

Step 2: The Assistant Superintendent will review the homeschool application.

Step 3: Upon approval, the parent/guardian will receive an email regarding approval. Should there be any questions, the parent/guardian will be notified via email.

It is required that parents/guardians participate in the homeschool application annually, regardless of the student’s enrollment the previous year.

To learn more about homeschooling policies through the Winchester Public Schools, please view Policy IHBG: Homeschooling and IHBG-R Homeschooling (PDF).