Enrollment
Welcome to Hamilton Southeastern Schools!
The steps below will help you through the enrollment process. You will use your home address and interactive map to find your home school. HSE Schools operates as a closed district. This means that students are required to attend the school within the specific boundaries of their residence, and we do not allow transfers between buildings within our district. This policy is in place to maintain balanced enrollment, ensure the efficient use of resources, and support our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all students.
*Existing families transitioning from grade to grade do not have to re-enroll; simply update your student's Back to School Forms in Skyward.*
2025-2026 Enrollment Dates
- Kindergarten Enrollment begins January 21, 2025
- Kindergarten Early Entrance Applications begin February 1, 2025
- First Grade Early Entrance Applications begin February 1, 2025
- Pre-School Enrollment begins February 14, 2025
New Enrollment Steps
- Pre-Step: Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade Enrollment
- Step 1: Determine Your Assigned School
- Step 2: Gather Enrollment Documents
- Step 3: Create an Account
- Step 4: Enroll Online
Pre-Step: Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade Enrollment
Preschool Enrollment (Starting at 3 years old)
If your child is at least three (3) years old you can apply for HSE Schools' preschool program. Limited spots are available. Enrollment will begin on February 14, 2025. Applications will not be accepted before February 14.
Kindergarten Enrollment (5 years old by August 1st)
To enroll in kindergarten, children must be five (5) years old on or before August 1, 2025. If your child meets these criteria you may proceed to Step 1.
Kindergarten Early Entrance (5 years old by September 30)
Children who will turn five (5) on or before September 30, 2025, may apply for early entrance. Kindergarten Early Entrance applications will go live on February 1, 2025, and are due August 1, 2025. Please check back soon for the application link. Please do not cancel preschool or daycare plans for the 2025-2026 school year until you receive official notification from the district.
First Grade Enrollment (Completed Kindergarten or Moved from another State/Country)
If your child has successfully completed a kindergarten program outside of HSE Schools, you will need to provide evidence such as a report card and an attendance report. Alternatively, a phone interview may also be arranged. The Assistant Superintendent for Foundational Learning will review this evidence before enrollment.
If your child moved to HSE Schools from another state or county, is six (6) years old, or meets eligibility requirements for first grade in another location, they are entitled to continue to first grade. This is applicable if they attended an accredited public or private first-grade program before enrolling in HSE Schools.
Early Entrance to First Grade (Has Not Completed Kindergarten)
If your child has not completed a kindergarten program, was homeschooled, or does not have evidence of successfully completing kindergarten, you must submit a First Grade Early Entrance application. As part of this process, your child will need to participate in an interview/assessment with the building principal or the Assistant Superintendent for Foundational Learning. A determination will then be made regarding readiness. Students who do not receive early entrance to first grade will be placed in a kindergarten classroom. Applications will go live on February 1, 2025, and are due August 1, 2025. Please check back soon for the application link.
Step 1: Determine Your Assigned School
Use the Google Maps tool above to locate which school aligns with your home address. To navigate the map effectively, you might need to "zoom out" as the initial search result zooms into your precise location. This way, you can view the entire map and determine the school more easily. We recommend viewing this map on a laptop or desktop computer, however it is viewable on mobile devices.
Please note, if you're relocating to a new area, the information may not instantly appear on Google Maps. In such instances, we recommend giving us a call at (317) 594-4100 to verify the school your student will attend.
⚠️
Southeastern Elementary School (SES) and Hamilton Southeastern Int./Jr. High School (HIJ) is CLOSED to new 1st-8th grade enrollment due to capacity. Please review the SES and HIJ Enrollment tab below for more information.
Step 2: Gather Enrollment Documents
Documents Required:
Before you begin your enrollment application, using either a computer or tablet, there are several required documents you will need to have ready.
- State-issued Birth Certificate
- Parent or Guardian Photo ID
- Proof of Guardianship or Custody (if applicable)
- Residential Documents
- Homeowners and Leaseholders
- Non-Homeowners and Leaseholders
- Current Immunization Records
How to Upload Your Documents:
Using a Scanner:
- Scan each document separately and send to your primary email.
- From your email, save the document to your computer and/or easily accessible storage.
- Upload your documents when directed in ‘Step 5’ of the enrollment application.
Using a Mobile Phone:
- Take a clear picture of each document separately and send to your primary email.
- From your email, save the document to your computer/easily accessible storage.
- Upload your documents when directed in ‘Step 5’ of the enrollment application.
If you do not have online access or are unable to upload required documents remotely, you may complete the application and/or present the required documents to be scanned at the school.
Step 3: Create an Account
New Families
Complete the New Student Account Request Form to create a temporary Skyward account. You will then receive an email containing login information and a link to the Skyward application portal for parents/guardians. If you don't have an email, simply click on "I do not have an email." Enter the given login credentials to complete the setup process. If you experience any difficulties with the enrollment process, please contact your student's assigned school.
Existing Families
Families wishing to add a sibling, complete the following:
- Log into your Skyward account
- Navigate to the upper left-hand corner and select New Student Online Enrollment.
Existing families transitioning from grade to grade do not have to re-enroll; simply update your student's Back to School Forms in Skyward.
Step 4: Enroll Online
Once logged into your Skyward Family Access account, there are six (6) steps to the application with instructions for each area. As you complete each item, be sure to save before moving on in the process.
In Step 5, you will upload your required documents. If unable to upload the required documents electronically, you will still select Complete Step 5 and move to the Step 6 button.
Once completed, click Submit Application. If there is more than one student to enroll, click Enroll Additional Students to start a new application.
Resources & Information
- Freshman Choice 2025-2026 (CLOSED)
- SES and HIJ Enrollment (CLOSED)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us
Freshman Choice 2025-2026 (CLOSED)
For the 2025-2026 school year, current 8th graders have the option to attend a high school that is outside of their designated geographic boundary. If your student will attend the high school assigned to them based on your current address, you do NOT need to complete an application. To view the current high school boundaries, view the map below. Please note, the Freshman Choice Application must be completed no later than December 13, 2024. You will be notified of any changes via email ON or BEFORE December 20, 2024.
Freshman Choice FAQ
Q: I already have children attending a non-home high school. Do I need to complete this form for my current 8th grader?
A: Yes, all current 8th-grade students must have a Freshman Choice Transfer Application submitted by the deadline, December 13, 2024, to attend a non-home high school; students will not be automatically assigned to a school because of a sibling.
Q: If my current 8th-grade student elects to attend a non-home high school, will my younger children be able to attend that school as well?
A: Younger siblings will not automatically be able to attend a non-home high school (there is no “grandfathering”).
Q: Is bus transportation provided for students who elect to attend a non-home high school?
A: Transportation will continue to be an option for the 2025-26 school year. A combination of an HSE/FHS shuttle bus and direct bussing will be utilized. Details will be available later when bus routes are finalized for the school year.
Please note, when/if a shuttle system is utilized, students will need to leave (be excused from) their 7th-period class 10-15 minutes early (prior to the dismissal bell). It will be the student’s responsibility to make alternate transportation arrangements as needed.
Q: My student receives special services and/or accommodations. Will my student be able to transfer to a non-home high school?
A: Please complete the Freshman Choice Transfer Application and your student’s needs will be reviewed to ensure the transfer can be accommodated.
Q: Is it advantageous to complete multiple forms or to submit the Freshman Choice Transfer Application earlier than the December 13, 2024, deadline?
A: Only one application per student needs to be submitted, and all applications received by the December 13, 2024, deadline will be given equal consideration.
Q: After I complete the online application, how will I know it has been received and approved?
A: The Freshman Choice Transfer Application is a Microsoft Form. When you answer the final question, a pop-up message will indicate your application has been submitted. Notification of approval will occur on or before December 20, 2024, via email from Julie Hays. If you do not receive notification by 6:00 p.m. on December 20, 2024, please contact Julie Hays via email at jhays@hse.k12.in.us.
Q: What if my student changes their mind after submitting the Freshman Choice Transfer Application and would like to attend their home school?
A: Contact Julie Hays via email at jhays@hse.k12.in.us to request a return to your student’s home school.
Q: What if I missed the December 13th deadline, and did not submit the Freshman Choice Transfer Application?
A: You will need to contact Julie Hays at jhays@hse.k12.in.us to request a transfer. There is no guarantee your request will be accommodated, so please complete the form by December 13, 2024.
Q: As an employee of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, do I need to complete the Freshman Choice Transfer Application for my 8th grader?
A: Yes, employees should complete the Freshman Choice Transfer Application for current 8th grade students. Please indicate you are an employee in the application.
SES and HIJ Enrollment (CLOSED)
The following procedures are in effect to address capacity issues at Southeastern Elementary and Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/ Junior High. Please note, transportation will be provided in all situations listed below.
SOUTHEASTERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Enrollment is now closed to new students in grades 1-4 at SES.
- All students who attended Geist Elementary School (GES) during the previous year whose ‘home school’ is Southeastern Elementary (SES) will remain at GES.
- Geist Elementary School (GES) is closed to SES overflow. GES will continue to accept students in which Geist Elementary is their ‘home school.’
- All new Southeastern Elementary (SES) enrollees entering grades 1-4 will go to Fall Creek Elementary (FCE).
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN INTERMEDIATE/JUNIOR HIGH
- Enrollment is now closed to new students in grades 5-8 at HIJ.
- All new HIJ enrollees will go to Fall Creek Intermediate (FCI) or Fall Creek Junior High (FCJ).
- All students who attended Fall Creek Intermediate (FCI) or Fall Creek Junior High (FCJ) during the previous year whose 'home school' is HIJ will stay at FCI and/or FCJ.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do I need to enroll my child? Is there a deadline?
- What documents do I need to enroll my child in school?
- I am building a house. What if I do not have my Proof of Residency yet?
- What if my address changes?
- I cannot seem to locate my child's birth certificate? Can I enroll without it?
- Does my child need any immunizations?
- I live just outside of the district boundaries. Can my child attend HSE Schools?
- Can I pick the school my child will attend?
- How do I know if my child is ready for school?
- Does HSE Schools have a Pre-K program?
- How old does my child need to be to start kindergarten at HSE Schools?
- My child did not attend Kindergarten. Can they enroll directly into First Grade?
- My child's school is closed for Summer Break. How do I complete the enrollment process?
- Who should I call if I have questions about the enrollment process?
- What happens next after submitting my child's online enrollment application?
When do I need to enroll my child? Is there a deadline?
Hamilton Southeastern Schools is delighted to welcome new students at any point throughout the school year. Although there isn't a strict deadline for enrollment, we kindly request that you enroll your child as early as you can. This aids the district in maintaining appropriate staffing levels and managing class sizes. Additionally, enrolling promptly ensures that you are included in our parent school communication distribution list. Your child's school principal will have your information, allowing you to receive communication materials and invitations to various spring and summer events. Your timely enrollment also helps create a seamless and informed start to your child's academic journey with us.
What documents do I need to enroll my child in school?
The following information is required for enrollment:
- State-issued Birth Certificate
- Parent or Guardian Photo ID
- Proof of Guardianship or Custody (if applicable)
- Proof of Residency (English or Spanish) or an Affidavit of Residence (English or Spanish) if you are not the homeowner or leaseholder.
- Current Immunization Records
I am building a house. What if I do not have my Proof of Residency yet?
It's not uncommon in our expanding community. Please finalize your registration by submitting all required documents. Subsequently, get in touch with your child's school registrar. They can assist you in making arrangements to submit either a building contract or alternative paperwork, serving as a temporary placeholder until you are able to provide a mortgage statement or utility bill.
What if my address changes?
I cannot seem to locate my child's birth certificate? Can I enroll without it?
Feel free to complete your enrollment online with the information and documents available to you. Following that, please contact your child's school registrar to inform them that you are in the process of locating additional documentation. They can note your account for follow-up and coordinate with you to obtain a copy once it becomes available.
Does my child need any immunizations?
I live just outside of the district boundaries. Can my child attend HSE Schools?
Can I pick the school my child will attend?
No, HSE Schools operates as a closed district. This means that students are required to attend the school within the specific boundaries of their residence, and we do not allow transfers between buildings within our district. This policy is in place to maintain balanced enrollment, ensure the efficient use of resources, and support our commitment to providing a stable learning environment for all students.
How do I know if my child is ready for school?
Determining the right time for your child to start school involves considering their individual development and the options available. While many preschools serve children at the age of 3 or older, it's essential to assess your child's readiness, both socially and academically.
Enrolling your child in a preschool with seasoned educators and an enriching environment can lay a strong foundation for their future success. Collaborate with educators and assess your child's developmental milestones to ensure a positive and supportive start to their educational journey.
Does HSE Schools have a Pre-K program?
Hamilton Southeastern Schools offers a public preschool program for children age 3 until they are eligible for kindergarten. The program is inclusive, catering to both special education and typically developing students who pay tuition. Preschool classrooms are situated at Brooks School Elementary, Sand Creek Elementary, and Hoosier Road Elementary. To learn more about our preschool offerings, visit the preschool program page.
How old does my child need to be to start kindergarten at HSE Schools?
- Any child who is age five (5) on or before August 1 of a school year will be admitted to the kindergarten at Hamilton Southeastern Schools.
- Parents may appeal for Early Entrance to Kindergarten, if their child turns five (5) years of age by October 1.
- Parents will need to submit an Application for Early Entrance to Kindergarten before enrollment and no later than August 1.
- The appeal process requires an assessment to be completed to determine readiness. The building principal or designee will contact families for an assessment appointment.
My child did not attend Kindergarten. Can they enroll directly into First Grade?
Hamilton Southeastern Schools requires evidence of successful completion of a kindergarten program, such as a student report card and attendance report, or phone interview with the school director for consideration to enroll as Early Entrance to First Grade. Please fill out the Application for Early Entrance to First Grade and you will be contacted to discuss your child's eligibility and placement.
My child's school is closed for Summer Break. How do I complete the enrollment process?
You may begin the enrollment application online at any time. Further, the HSE Schools administration office is open year-round and can assist you. If you have questions or issues, please call 317-594-4100. Additionally, we offer limited in-person enrollment appointments during the summer. The specific days/times will be posted on the district website calendar and advertised on social media.
Who should I call if I have questions about the enrollment process?
Please contact Student Services Coordinator Julie Hays for all enrollment questions by calling 317-594-4100 or emailing jhays@hse.k12.in.us.
What happens next after submitting my child's online enrollment application?
After you submit your online enrollment, you will receive a completion notification via email. Following this, you will be provided with a Skyward login, granting access to essential details such as teacher assignment, class schedule, bus route, and more. It's important to note that this information is generally available the week before the school year begins. For students in upper grades, there will be an opportunity to meet with a counselor to discuss classes and scheduling. These meetings typically occur toward the end of the current school year or before the start of the new school year, if enrolling during the summer.