FAQs: Online Registration

Cambridge Public Schools has multiple registration windows and accepts registrations for the current school year (This Year) and for the next school year (Next Year).

When can I use the CPS online registration system?
You are registering for “This Year" if you want your child to start school now.

  • Families whose students will join CPS in any grade during the current school year may use the online pre-registration system once they have moved to Cambridge.

You are registering for “Next Year” if you want your child to start school next September.

  • Families who are registering students for grades K-8 for school entry next September may access the online pre-registration system from January 2 through September 1. (After September 1, you would register for “This Year.”)
  • Families who are registering their student(s) for CRLS for school entry next September may access the online pre-registration system from October 1 through September 1. (After September 1, you would register for “This Year.”)

What information do I provide?

  • Parent/Legal Guardian Information
  • Student Information (name, DOB, demographic information, primary contact phone number)
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • School choices
  • Required documents can be uploaded

Do I need an e-mail address to use the online registration system?
No. You will need to establish a username and password. Please take note of these. If you do not have an e-mail address and you forget your username or password, we will not be able to help you reset your password unless you have an e-mail address. If you lose or forget your login information, please just start over and create a new account.

I registered my child before and they did not attend CPS or they left CPS and are returning, do I need to register again?

  • Yes. If you registered your child in the past and they are not currently with CPS, you need to register them for CPS again.
  • Use your previous username and password, and click on “add a student.”
  • If you have forgotten your credentials, email Kathy Sampson.
  • Although you will see their previous record indicated as "finalized," it is not editable and you need to create an entirely new registration for the same child.
  • Click on “add a student” and proceed to register your child.
  • Staff will know to merge the student’s records.

My child attends Special Start, do I need to register them for CPS?
Yes. If your child attends Special Start, they are not enrolled in CPS as a matriculating student and you must register them either for junior kindergarten or kindergarten, which is their entry point for CPS.

  • Use your previous username and password, and click on “add a student.”
  • If you have forgotten your credentials, email Kathy Sampson.
  • Although you will see their previous record indicated as "finalized," it is not editable and you need to create an entirely new registration for the same child.
  • Staff will know to merge the student’s records.

My child has a sibling attending CPS, do I need to create a new account or can I use the existing one?
Please use the existing account and click on “add a student.”

Will I be able to register multiple students at once?
Yes. Once you have completed the first registration, you will be given the option to register another child. Your information will automatically link to your next child’s form without your having to re-enter the data. You will still be required to provide information that is specific for each child.

What if I can’t upload the required documents?
Please scan or photograph them and email them to [email protected]. If you require additional assistance, please email [email protected] or call 617.349.6551 and a staff member will help you.

What happens if I need to stop before I am finished completing the form?
The Registration Gateway will save your application (click SAVE at the bottom of each page) so you can start and stop as many times as you like until you check the box "I have completed the registration for this child."

Once you check the box "I have completed the registration for this child", the record is marked as "pending."

At that point, it moves to our staff view for processing, and as soon as we process it, the record will be "finalized," and you will not be able to make any changes or upload any documents to the record.

Never fear: If you are missing any documents, we will contact you and ask you to either scan or photograph them and e-mail them to us at [email protected].

Once I have finished registering online, what do I do next?
Steps in the Process

  1. Make sure you completed all forms (online or paper submitted to the SRC by email to [email protected])
  2. Make sure you submitted all the required documents (upload or email them to the SRC at [email protected])
  3. If you are missing anything to fully complete the registration, we will contact you.

Whom do I call with questions or for assistance?
If you need assistance, please call the Student Registration Center at 617.349.6551 or email us at [email protected].

Student Registration Center
459 Broadway, Cambridge, 02138
(1st floor, SRC entrance)
Directions >>
Tel: 617.349.6551 | Fax: 617.349.6552
Email the SRC

Monday - Friday | 8:30AM - 3:30PM
All year long, except holidays

The SRC provides options for families to register their children for school. Families can walk in and register in-person at the SRC office, make an appointment by calling 617.349.6551, submit a registration via email, or submit a registration online using our Registration Gateway System.

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