My child is ready for kindergarten. How do I know which elementary school he/she will attend? 

 School Districts

Does Belmont offer a preschool program?

 Preschool Program

How long is the kindergarten day?

3 hours, 15 minutes

If I have a question about school bus transportation, whom shall I call?  Is there a fee for bus transportation?

Fee Schedule:

$520 (individual)

$1,040 (family cap)

For more information contact Donna Pini: 617-993-5430.  Bus application is available here

If I am concerned about the weather and school is in session, what should I do?

 In Emergency

I would like to send information home to the parents of Belmont students. What process do I follow to get permission?

Submit sample item to:
Janice Darias, Assistant Superintendent
644 Pleasant Street
Belmont, MA  02478

It is the school department policy to strictly limit what is sent home with students.

I would like to use the list serv to contact parents. Who can authorize the use of a list serv?

School Principals

How old must my child be to enter kindergarten?

5 years old on or before September 1

How old must my child be to enter grade 1?

6 years old on or before September 1

If my child is assigned to an elementary school because of our street address, what can I do if I want my child to attend a different elementary school?

Send request in writing to:
Janice Darias, Assistant Superintendent
644 Pleasant Street
Belmont, MA  02478

These decisions are usually made in August when the enrollment numbers are more accurate.

Where do I go to register my child for school?

Registration takes place at the school office.  There will be a scheduled registration in the spring for incoming kindergarten students.

When does the kindergarten registration process begin?

There will be a parent information night for all incoming kindergarten parents in March. 

What are the dates of the vacation weeks?

 BPS Calendar

What is the last day of school?

 BPS Calendar

Does Belmont have school choice?

No. 

In what type of testing do Belmont students participate?

Belmont students participate in the state designed Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in grades 3-10.  All students are tested every year in mathematics and English.  Students in grades 5, 8, and 9 are tested in science.  Testing in social studies will be added in the near future.

Students also elect to take the PSAT, SAT I and SAT II College Board Exams in preparation for college application.  Many students at Belmont High School participate in the Advanced Placement Program.  The combined mean SAT score for Belmont High School students in 2007 was 1743 as compared to the state average of 1546, and the national average of 1511.  Belmont High School students take Advanced Placement exams in 26 separate subject areas and typically between 87% and 90% of the scores are 3, 4, or 5.

What is the protocol to follow when I have a serious concern or question about my student?

We suggest that parents always begin with the student’s teacher.  The classroom teacher is always the best informed about a student’s learning and progress. 

If the teacher does not provide adequate information, parents should contact the building principal and/or assistant principal.  The principal is the best source of information about building policies.

If the parent’s concern is not addressed at the building level, a parent should contact a member of the Central Office Administration.  The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction can be helpful in most instances.  If the issue is a significant concern for the entire school system, the Superintendent of Schools may be contacted.

Are there fees for student participation in athletics or other student activities?

 Applications for fee based activities and fee guidelines are available here