How to Enroll in Walton County Schools

Enrolling in Walton County Schools is simple if you follow these steps:

• Determine Your School Zone: Use the district's online tools to find your assigned school based on your residential address. For questions, contact the Transportation Department.
• Choose Your Enrollment Type: Options include standard enrollment, Controlled Open Enrollment (COE), or charter schools. Each has specific deadlines and requirements.
  • Standard Enrollment: For students attending their zoned school. No additional applications are needed.
  • COE: Apply between January 1, 2026, and March 1, 2026, to attend a school outside your zone (space permitting).
  • Charter Schools: Schools like Seaside School have independent application processes and deadlines.
• Gather Required Documents: Include proof of residency, immunization records, a birth certificate, and school-specific forms.
• Register Online: Use the Walton County School District portal to complete the process. Upload all necessary documents or submit them in person if needed.

Deadlines Matter: Missing key dates, such as the March 1 deadline for COE or charter school applications, may limit your options. Start early to secure your child’s spot and avoid delays.

For more assistance, contact the Walton County School District Office at (850) 892-1100 or visit their website.

Step 1: Find Your Assigned School Zone

Your child’s school is assigned based on your registered physical address - not your mailing address or P.O. box. Ensuring your address is accurate helps avoid delays in enrollment.

How to Use School Zone Maps and Online Tools

The Walton County School District offers an online search tool that makes finding your assigned school simple. Enter your street address, and the system will identify the elementary, middle, and high schools serving your area. If your street doesn’t appear, try entering the nearest cross street.

For a broader view, you can download the District Zone Map in PDF format from the district’s registration page. This map outlines transportation zones and school boundaries across the county. It also highlights bus stops, which are located within a maximum walking distance of 0.5 miles.

If you're still unsure about your school zone after using these tools, reach out to the Transportation Department. For questions specific to your area, contact Loganville at 770-207-3184, Monroe at 770-207-3191, or Walnut Grove at 770-207-3183. If these resources don’t resolve your issue, check the next section for alternative enrollment options.

Exceptions to Standard Zoning

Some schools in the district operate outside the typical geographic assignment system. For example, the Magnet Innovation Center, Walton Academy Charter School, and Seaside School use separate admission processes, such as applications or lotteries, instead of address-based assignments.

As of October 2025, schools like Dune Lakes Elementary and Walton Middle were open to transfers, while Freeport High and South Walton High had reached capacity and closed enrollment. Families must arrange their own transportation for transfer students. Priority for these openings is given to children of active-duty military personnel and students in foster care. For details about non-geographic assignments or transfer requests, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Learn About Enrollment Types and Deadlines

Once you've confirmed your school zone, it's time to figure out which enrollment type fits your family's needs. Walton County offers several enrollment options, each tailored to different circumstances. Here's an overview to help you decide the best route for your child.

Standard Enrollment Process

For most families, the standard enrollment process is the way to go. This option applies to students attending the school assigned to their residential transportation zone. While you can enroll at any time during the year, completing the process before the school year starts ensures your child's spot. To enroll, you'll need proof of residency in your designated zone and the documents listed in Step 3. No additional applications or lotteries are required.

Controlled Open Enrollment

Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) gives Florida residents the chance to apply for a seat at a public school outside their assigned zone - provided the school has available space. For the 2026–2027 school year, the application window is open from January 1, 2026, to March 1, 2026. As of October 2025, schools like Dune Lakes Elementary, Emerald Coast Middle, and Walton Middle were accepting transfers, while others had already reached capacity.

To apply, submit your COE application along with a signed Student Performance Contract by March 1. The decision process typically takes up to two weeks. Keep in mind that students who are currently expelled or suspended cannot participate in COE. Additionally, families choosing this option must arrange their own transportation to the out-of-zone school.

Charter School Applications and Lotteries

Charter schools, such as Seaside School and Walton Academy Charter School, operate with their own application timelines and admission requirements. For the 2026–2027 school year, Seaside School’s application period runs from January 9, 2026, to February 13, 2026. If the number of applications exceeds available seats, a lottery system will determine enrollment.

Since charter schools manage their admissions independently, it's important to contact your chosen school directly to get the specific forms and deadlines. Keep in mind that charter schools are not part of the COE process, and their capacity limits and timelines differ from traditional district schools.

Step 3: Collect Required Documents

Before diving into the online registration process, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. This will help you avoid any delays. The specific paperwork you'll need depends on whether you're enrolling through the standard process, applying for Controlled Open Enrollment, or registering at a charter school. Check the following sections for more details on what each enrollment type requires.

Documents Needed for Standard Enrollment

If you're enrolling your child in the school assigned to your zone, you'll need to complete the district's designated forms, such as the '25-26 SY' forms. Key documents include:

• Student Registration Form
• Student Residency Questionnaire
• WCSD Student Code of Conduct

Additionally, you’ll need health-related paperwork, like a Florida immunization record and a school entry physical completed by a licensed provider. Be sure to visit the WCSD School Health Services webpage for detailed immunization requirements before scheduling your child’s doctor appointment.

Extra Documents for Special Programs

For Controlled Open Enrollment (COE), which allows students to attend a school outside their assigned zone, you’ll need to provide the standard documents along with three additional forms:

• COE Application for Attendance
• Student Performance Contract
• Zoning Exception Waiver

These extra forms must be submitted directly to the school you’re applying to - not through the online portal. Note that the application window for the 2026-2027 school year runs from January 1, 2026, to March 1, 2026.

Charter schools, like Seaside School and Walton Academy Charter School, have their own application processes and document requirements. Since these schools operate independently, you’ll need to contact them directly to find out their specific requirements and deadlines.

Document Requirements Comparison Table

Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll need and where to submit it:

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Step 4: Complete Online Registration

Once you’ve gathered all your documents, it’s time to use the Walton County School District’s secure online registration system. This step moves you seamlessly into the digital enrollment process, building on the preparation you’ve already done.

How to Access the Registration Portal

Head over to the Walton County School District website and navigate to the "Registration/Enrollment" section under "Family Resources." From there, click on the "k-12 registration" link to access the portal. This system is designed for new students in grades K–12 and includes all the forms needed for enrollment.

A quick note: Kindergarten registration typically begins on March 1 for the upcoming school year. If you try to register before this date, your application won’t be processed, so mark your calendar!

How to Upload Documents

Make sure you have clear, scanned copies of all required documents ready to go. The system will guide you through uploading essential files, including:

• Certified birth certificate
• Florida immunization record
• School entry physical
• Proof of residency
• Child’s social security card or waiver

Double-check that each file is readable and contains all necessary details. If you run into technical problems while uploading, you can always bring physical copies directly to your local school. For missing records, reach out to the Florida Office of Vital Records for birth certificates or call the Social Security Administration at 772‑1213 to request a replacement card.

Submitting Charter School Applications Online

If you’re applying to a charter school like Seaside School or Walton Academy Charter School, keep in mind that these schools operate separately from the district’s registration system. You’ll need to contact each charter school directly for their specific application instructions and performance contract requirements.

Charter schools have their own admissions criteria and deadlines, so it’s a good idea to reach out early. This way, you’ll have enough time to understand their process and ensure you don’t miss any key dates. While their procedures differ, their detailed online guidelines work well alongside the district’s system.

Step 5: Submit and Complete Enrollment

Once you’ve submitted your online application, it’s time to wrap up the final steps for enrollment.

When In-Person Visits Are Necessary

While most of the enrollment process happens online, there are cases where an in-person visit is required. If you’re unable to upload all the necessary documents, bring hard copies to your local school during office hours (8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.).

For families applying through Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) - which lets you request a school outside your usual transportation zone - you’ll need to deliver your COE application, supporting documents, and a signed Student Performance Contract in person. COE applications are accepted until March 1, 2026 , and the review process can take up to two weeks.

If you don’t have a lease or mortgage document, you and the homeowner must sign a residency affidavit in person. The homeowner will also need to provide a current utility bill.

After completing these steps, make sure to review the enrollment priorities for local residents.

Enrollment Priority for County Residents

Walton County follows specific guidelines when assigning seats for Controlled Open Enrollment. Priority is given to certain groups, such as dependents of active-duty military personnel who have relocated due to military orders, as well as students who have been moved because of foster care placement. Although COE allows families from anywhere in Florida to apply, local residents are given preference when space is limited .

Before submitting a COE application, confirm whether your desired school is accepting new students. As of October 2025, schools like Freeport High, South Walton High, and Walton High were at or above capacity and closed to COE applications. However, schools such as Dune Lakes Elementary, Emerald Coast Middle, and Walton Middle were still open for applications.

What Comes Next After Enrollment

Once your enrollment is confirmed, a few final steps will ensure your child is ready for their first day. Schedule any required health exams and visit the WCSD School Health Services webpage to download forms for immunizations and school entry physicals. These must be submitted before your child can start classes.

Next, check the district’s Bus and Transportation Information page to find your child’s assigned bus routes and stops .

It’s also important to review the WCSD Student Code of Conduct for the 2025–2026 school year so you and your child are familiar with their rights and responsibilities . Finally, attend school orientations to meet the staff and help your child get comfortable with their new routines.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Getting your child enrolled in Walton County Schools requires some preparation and timely action. Start by determining your assigned school zone and deciding if you'll go with the zoned school or apply for Controlled Open Enrollment.

Make sure to gather essential documents early, such as a certified birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records, to avoid any last-minute hurdles. Use the district's online portal to complete the registration process and upload all necessary paperwork as soon as you can.

Starting early gives you time to address any potential issues and ensures your child is ready for the school year. If you're unsure about any step, revisit Steps 1–5 for clarification. For additional help, resources are available to guide you through the process.

Additional Support

If you run into challenges during enrollment, reach out to your local school or the Walton County School District Office at (850) 892-1100. For issues related to documents, you can contact:

• Florida Department of Health: (850) 245-4444 for immunization records
• Florida Office of Vital Records: (904) 359-6900 for birth certificates
• Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213

For the latest updates on enrollment, school capacity, and the online registration portal, visit the Walton County School District website. The district also offers resources in multiple languages to assist families throughout the process.

FAQs

When are the deadlines for Controlled Open Enrollment and charter school applications in Walton County?

The cutoff for submitting Controlled Open Enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year is Friday, March 1, 2025. Charter schools, however, often operate on timelines determined by their respective districts, with application reviews potentially taking up to two weeks. For precise dates and additional information, it’s best to contact your school or district office directly.

What documents are required to enroll in Walton County Schools?

To register your child for Walton County Schools, you’ll need to have the following documents ready:

• Certified birth certificate
• Proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease agreement)
• Current immunization record on the Georgia Department of Public Health Form 3231
• Certificate of ear, eye, and dental exams on Form 3300
• Student’s Social Security card or a signed waiver

Having these documents prepared ahead of time can help prevent any delays in the enrollment process. For more details or information about specific deadlines, it’s best to contact the Walton County School District directly.

How can I find out which school my child will attend in Walton County?

To find out which school your child is zoned for in Walton County, use the district's online zoning tool. Just type in your home address, and it will show the assigned school for your area. If you need further assistance, you can reach out to the Walton County School District directly.

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