Starting school is a big milestone. If you are buying or moving within North Hampton, planning ahead can save time and stress. This guide explains how enrollment works in SAU 21 for North Hampton School (PK–8) and Winnacunnet High School, what documents you will need, and how to time your move so your child starts smoothly.
What to know before enrolling
Enrollment planning matters because it touches your timeline, your housing decisions, and your child’s first weeks in a new school. North Hampton School is the town’s public PK–8 school, and students attend Winnacunnet High School for grades 9–12 in the cooperative district that serves Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, and Seabrook according to the school’s overview. North Hampton enrolls about 280 students on one campus with preschool, full‑day kindergarten, elementary, and middle school programs as shared by the school.
This guide walks you through school assignment basics, step‑by‑step registration, timelines, transportation, student services, and practical tips that help you start strong.
School assignment basics
Attendance zones and grade spans
- North Hampton School serves PK–8 for addresses in the town of North Hampton. High school students attend Winnacunnet High School per the school’s overview.
- All new students complete North Hampton’s online registration and upload required documents before starting. The school notes that once paperwork is complete, students can typically begin within 24–48 hours as outlined on the registration page.
School choice and transfers
- If you live in North Hampton, your default assignment is North Hampton School for PK–8. Transfers within SAU 21 or to other districts usually require approvals and space availability. Contact the school office for guidance if you have a special circumstance (medical, program need, or a planned move).
- Families should also note that preschool interest is handled through the school’s preschool pages and forms rather than the K–8 portal see NHS Preschool.
Private and alternative options
- If you choose private school, homeschooling, or New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account pathway, you will follow separate state or school procedures. The NH Department of Education provides home education guidance with notification steps and record‑keeping requirements see NH DOE. If you plan to return to public school later, coordinate early with SAU 21’s student services to align records and placement.
Enrollment steps and required documents
Proof of residency requirements
North Hampton asks for three proofs of residency when you register. Examples listed by the school include:
- New Hampshire driver’s license with your North Hampton address
- Mortgage, lease, or purchase and sales documentation
- A utility bill or payroll stub with your address
Review the current list and upload instructions on the school’s registration page as posted by North Hampton School.
Student records and health documentation
Have these items ready to upload during online registration:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Current immunization records
- Most recent physical exam; for kindergarten, North Hampton specifically requests the “5‑year physical” per the registration page
- Copies of any existing 504 plan or IEP, if applicable
New Hampshire requires immunizations for public school attendance unless you have a valid exemption. For the current vaccine list and any updates, review the state’s school immunization guidance via NH DHHS. If you are transferring mid‑year, request official records from your prior school early to avoid delays see New to the School guidance.
Online vs. in‑person registration
- North Hampton uses an online portal for kindergarten and for new students of all grades. You will find “Click here to Register” or “Register Here” links on the school site on the registration page.
- Upload all documents in the portal. If the school needs anything else, they will contact you. Once complete, plan on roughly 24–48 hours for processing before your child starts school as described by the school.
Ages, deadlines, and timelines
Kindergarten and first‑grade ages
New Hampshire allows districts to set their own kindergarten age cutoff. North Hampton lists the 5‑year physical requirement on its site but does not publish a specific “turn‑5‑by” date on the registration page. To confirm eligibility and the exact cutoff for the current year, contact the school office listed on the registration page North Hampton registration.
Registration windows by season
- Kindergarten: North Hampton typically opens the kindergarten registration portal in mid‑January; the site notes “Registration Portal Opens January 16th” for the current cycle. Always check the school page each year for the official date see kindergarten registration.
- Spring to summer: Class placements, transportation details, and orientation information are shared closer to summer.
- District calendar: SAU 21 publishes the approved calendar with first/last days and holidays. Review the current year’s calendar for planning SAU 21 calendar PDF.
Moving mid‑year: what to expect
- Start the online registration as soon as you have your North Hampton address and documents.
- Ask your prior school to send records directly to North Hampton. Upload copies for speed while official records are in transit see New to the School.
- Once your paperwork is complete, the school notes a typical 24–48 hour window before a student can begin.
Transportation, meals, and childcare
Bus eligibility and stop locations
- North Hampton posts bus routes on its Families > Bus Routes page. Routes are finalized in August and shared as PDFs. Check back each summer for updates and any app notifications used by the district Bus Routes.
- Detailed eligibility rules (walk distances, kindergarten rider specifics, late‑bus offerings) are not summarized on the registration page. Call the school or transportation contact for exact guidance see Bus Routes page.
- For dismissal changes and daily pickup plans, the school uses PickUpPatrol. Follow the setup instructions on school communications noted on the school overview.
Breakfast and lunch programs
- Menus, payments, and any meal assistance programs are typically shared via school communications and the Families section of the website. If you need help with free or reduced meals, reach out to the main office to learn how to apply.
Before‑ and after‑school care
- Options vary by grade and year. Ask the school office and local providers early, as popular programs may waitlist. Align your childcare plan with bus routes and after‑school activities once your schedule is set.
Special programs and student support
Special education and 504 services
- SAU 21 documents the special education process, from Child Find and evaluations to IEP development and 504 supports. Review district procedures and contact Student Services if you are new to the area or need to start an evaluation SAU 21 Special Education documentation.
- North Hampton’s Student Services page explains local steps and who to contact. Bring existing IEPs or 504 plans to registration for a smooth transition North Hampton Student Services.
English language learning support
- If your student speaks another language, notify the school during registration. The district will review language surveys and determine eligibility for services. Student Services can explain how supports are delivered at North Hampton.
Extracurriculars and athletics overview
- North Hampton offers activities typical for PK–8 schools. High school sports and clubs are hosted at Winnacunnet. Ask about sign‑ups, eligibility, and late transportation once you receive your schedules.
Enrollment tips for a smooth start
Create a document folder
- Keep a shared digital folder for your child’s birth certificate, immunizations, physical, IEP/504, and residency proofs. Save PDF copies of your submitted forms and confirmations.
Confirm timelines and follow‑ups
- Add calendar reminders for the kindergarten registration opening, summer bus route postings, and orientation dates. Watch for confirmation emails from the online portal and follow up if you do not see them within a few days.
Coordinate with your move plan
- If you are buying a home, sync your closing date with registration steps so your child can start on time. The school’s 24–48 hour processing window means you can often begin soon after documents are verified, but plan for a brief buffer.
Next steps for local families
When you know what to expect, enrollment is straightforward. Use the online portal, gather the required documents, confirm any age cutoffs with the school, and check routes each August so the first week goes smoothly. If you are planning a move to North Hampton or the greater Seacoast area and want to align school timelines with your housing search, the right plan can make all the difference.
For neighborhood insight, timing strategies, and a move that fits your family’s school priorities, connect with Lombardi & Co. Our team blends local market knowledge with hands‑on guidance so you can choose a home with confidence. Get your instant home valuation and map your next steps today.
FAQs
Which schools serve North Hampton?
- North Hampton School serves PK–8 for town residents, and Winnacunnet High School serves grades 9–12 in the cooperative district per the school overview.
How do I register my child?
- Use the online registration links on the school site to upload residency proofs, birth certificate, immunizations, and physical exam. Processing is typically 24–48 hours after completion see registration steps.
What documents are required?
- Three proofs of residency, birth certificate, current immunization record, recent physical (5‑year physical for kindergarten), and any IEP/504 plans as listed by the school.
When does kindergarten registration open?
- The kindergarten portal typically opens in mid‑January; confirm the exact date on the current year’s page kindergarten registration.
What is the kindergarten age cutoff?
- North Hampton’s page does not publish a specific age‑by date. Contact the school to confirm the current year’s cutoff and placement rules registration page.
Where can I find bus routes?
- Bus routes are posted as PDFs on the Families > Bus Routes page each August. Call the school with questions about eligibility or stops Bus Routes.
What if my child has an IEP or 504 plan?
Where do I check the school calendar?
- SAU 21 publishes the approved calendar with start dates, vacations, and the tentative last day of school SAU 21 calendar.
What are the state immunization rules?
- New Hampshire sets school immunization requirements. Review the current list and exemptions on the NH DHHS site state immunization guidance.
