We are excited to welcome kindergarten registration applications for children born in 2021, turning 5 in 2026. These children will begin kindergarten in September 2026. Online registration will begin November 1, 2025.
Families are encouraged to register any time during the priority 1 registration period (November – January) for the best chance at attending their catchment school. All registration applications completed any time during the priority 1 registration period will receive placement decisions via emails from the school by February 6, 2026.
As per district policy, a student will normally attend the school located in their catchment area in which their parents or legal guardians reside unless there is no physical, resource or program space available. This provision may need to be applied more frequently, potentially resulting in more students needing placement outside their catchment school.
Current 2025/26 enrolment and registration situations for elementary schools.
New Students
Registered Richmond School District Students
Parent Information Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
For any questions not covered here, please reach out to Central Registration at 604-668-6058.
How do I register my child?
Complete the online registration form, which includes uploading required documents. Once the form and documents are submitted, a Central Registration staff member will contact you to discuss next steps.
What about district program options like French Immersion and Montessori?
In addition to registering for kindergarten, families are able to apply for a district program option such as French Immersion or Montessori. For more information on these programs, please visit the district program options page.
Online applications for kindergarten district program options will open November 1 and close January 16, 2026. Acceptance or waitlist emails for district program options will be sent to parents by February 6, 2026.
What are the required documents?
What if I want to apply to attend a school that is outside my catchment area?
Students who are registered with the Richmond School District are able to apply for an out of catchment transfer. For 2026/27, the round 1 transfer application period will be open February 9-27, 2026. Transfer decisions will be provided to parents by March 13, 2026.
What is my catchment school?
A student will normally attend the school located in the catchment area in which their parents or legal guardians reside unless there is no physical, resource or program space available. You can find your catchment school by using the school locator.
When do I register?
Priority 1 registration period opens November 1, 2025 and closes January 16, 2026.
Families who apply to register their 2026/27 kindergarten children anytime during this time period will have the best chance at attending their catchment school.
Priority 2 registration period opens January 17, 2026 and closes May 16, 2026.
Registration applications accepted during this time period will be subject to availability of program, resource and physical space available at the catchment schools. For some families, this will result in being placed at a nearby school by the District Administrator for Central Registration. All priority 1 registrations will be placed prior to placing any priority 2 registrations.
| Priority 1 Registration Period | Priority 2 Registration Period | Late Registration Period |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026 | January 17, 2026 – May 15, 2026 | May 16, 2026 – Ongoing |
| Applications received during this period will receive a placement decision by February 6, 2026. | Applications received during this period will receive a placement decision by June 12, 2026. | Applications received during this period will receive a placement decision by September 11, 2026. |
Where do I register?
All registrations are submitted using the online registration form. Central Registration staff will then contact parents by phone or email.
Who needs a Letter of Acceptance to register?
Letters of Acceptance are needed by parents/legal guardians who:
- Have refugee status.
- Have a valid work permit and proof of employment. Work permits must be valid for minimum one year.
- Have a valid study permit and have been accepted into a qualifying degree or diploma program. Study permits must be valid for minimum one year.
- Are on an international government sponsored contract.
- Have a child who is in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
For more detailed information about funding eligibility for students in British Columbia, please visit this page.
If you meet the criteria above and currently live in Richmond, please send an email with your name and contact phone number to educationoffice@sd38.bc.ca. A staff member will contact you to discuss next steps.
Will I get into my catchment school?
As per district policy, a student will normally attend the school located in their catchment area in which their parents or legal guardians reside unless there is no physical, resource or program space available.
Schools will have a set number of available kindergarten spaces, referred to as a “sustainable cohort” size. As per district policy, kindergarten registration applications will be processed in the following order.
- Students with a catchment sibling who will attend the school and program in 2026/27.
- Students with a non-catchment sibling who will attend the school and program in 2026/27.
- Catchment students.
- Students with a non-Richmond resident sibling who will attend the school and program in 2026/27.
If there are more applications to register than spots available, a random draw (lottery) within the category will be held.
Will I have a better chance of being placed in my catchment school if I register early?
No. All registrations received during the priority 1 period will be considered equal. Registrations are not prioritized by date and there is no preference given to a registration that is received in November compared to a registration that is received in January. Please register any time from November 1, 2025 to January 16, 2026 that is convenient for your family. If there are more applications to register than spots available, a random draw (lottery) within the category will be held.