Enrollment for Returning Students
All District 401 students, whether new or returning, must enroll in the District each school year. The enrollment process is also known as "registration." This three-step process involves:
► Proof of residency
► Payment of school fees
► Submission of consent forms
This page describes the enrollment process for returning students. Links to all necessary documents are located in the sections below.
Kindergarten and preschool enrollment for 2021-22 began on March 1, 2021. Returning students who will be in grades 1-12 may begin enrolling for 2021-22 on May 3, 2021.
Reminders for Returning Families
District 401 public schools serve residents of Elmwood Park only. You must prove residency to enroll your child in one of our four schools:
► Grades 9-12 attend Elmwood Park High School.
► Grades 6-8 attend Elm Middle School.
► Grades K-5 south of the railroad tracks attend Elmwood Elementary School.
► Grades K-5 north of the railroad tracks attend John Mills Elementary School.
► Grades PK3 & PK4 (preschool) attend John Mills Elementary School.
The first day of school for 2021-22 is Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
If You Are Homeless
Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted to District 401, even if the child or child's parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required to establish residency.
District 401's liaison for homeless children is Dr. Kari Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. She can be reached at smithk@epcusd401.org.
Definition of "Returning Student"
A student is a "returning student" if he or she did attend a District 401 school during the previous school year, including John Mills for preschool or one of our alternative schools.
For the purposes of 2021-22 enrollment, this means a student is considered "returning" if he or she was enrolled as a District 401 student during 2020-21.
If your student did not attend a District 401 school in 2020-21, please see the New/Transfer Students page.
If Your Child Is a Returning Student
All returning students must enroll again if they want to attend a District school in 2021-22. As mentioned above, enrollment in District 401 is a three-step process:
► Proof of residency
► Payment of fees
► Submission of consent forms
For more information about these steps, please scroll down this page and click the rows labeled "Step 1: Proof of Residency," "Step 2: Payment of Fees" and "Step 3: Consents."
Parents of returning students should email their residency information to:
Parents should then go into the parent portal of PowerSchool to sign the consent forms. These forms are the Digital Citizenship Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Contract and the District Policies for Student Handbooks Parent/Student Sign-Off Sheet
When Does the Enrollment Process Begin?
If you are the parent of a returning student enrolling in kindergarten or preschool for 2021-22, you may send in your residency documents starting March 1, 2021.
If you are the parent of a returning student enrolling in grades 1-12 for 2021-22, you may send in your residency documents starting May 3, 2021.
Fees have been pre-loaded into the D401 webstore so that you may begin paying your 2021-22 fees right away on May 3. You have the option to make partial or full payment until the final due date. Payment is due in full by Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.
For your convenience, you will find links to PDF copies of all necessary enrollment documents by scrolling down to the row titled "District 401 Forms & Documents." Consult the other rows below that for access to documents that pertain specifically to your child's school.
Please note the following dates if your child fits the definition of "returning student" and will attend a District 401 school in 2021-22:
► MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021
Enrollment begins for kindergarten and preschool.
► WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021
Kindergarten enrollment help is provided via email or phone (NOT in person) by the John Mills & Elmwood main offices during parent-teacher conferences, 3:30 to 7 p.m. Please contact by email or phone only the main office at your child's future school for enrollment support on this day:
- John Mills | 708-452-3560 | millsinfo@epcusd401.org
- Elmwood | 708-452-3558 | ewinfo@epcusd401.org
► THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021
Kindergarten enrollment is provided via email or phone (NOT in person) by the John Mills & Elmwood main offices during parent-teacher conferences, 3:30 to 7 p.m. Please contact by email or phone only the main office at your child's future school for enrollment support on this day:
- John Mills | 708-452-3560 | millsinfo@epcusd401.org
- Elmwood | 708-452-3558 | ewinfo@epcusd401.org
► FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021
Enroll in kindergarten for 2021-22 by this date or earlier and receive free school spirit wear!
► MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021
Returning students in grades 1-12 may send in their proof of residency and start paying their school fees.
► FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
All residency documents for returning students grades PK-12 are due.
► WEDNESDAY, AUG. 18, 2021
First day of school for students.
► WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2021
School fees and fee waivers are due.*
*This date applies to all fees except for preschool tuition payment, which can be made monthly 10 times a year.
Only students who are Elmwood Park residents may attend District 401 schools, except as provided in Section 7:60 of the Board of Education's District Policy Manual or in Illinois law.
A student's residence is the same as the person who has legal custody of the student.
► FOR GRADES PK & K
If you are the parent of a returning student enrolling in kindergarten or preschool, you may send in your 2021-22 residency documents starting Monday, March 1, 2021.
► FOR GRADES 1-12
If you are the parent of a returning student enrolling in grades 1-12, you may send in your 2021-22 residency documents starting Monday, May 3, 2021.
Residency documents for 2021-22 returning students are due Friday, July 23, 2021. Students will be unenrolled if residency has not been approved.
To satisfy the residency requirement for the 2021-22 school year, all families of returning students are asked to:
1. FILL OUT the Proof of Residency Form (one per family).
► Links to this form and other enrollment documents are located on this page in "District 401 Forms & Documents."
► Read the Proof of Residency Form carefully.
► We've also included the Letter of Residence Form for families who rent without a lease or live with friends or relatives.
► Additional residency forms may be required.
2. MAKE COPIES of your proofs of residency.
► The name and address must be the same on all documents.
► As noted above, 2021-22 residency documents are due Friday, July 23, 2021.
► Students will be unenrolled if residency has not been approved.
3. EMAIL your documents to this address:
If you would prefer to fax your documents, use this number:
► 708-452-0732
If you would prefer to mail your documents, use this postal address:
EPHS
attn: Registration
8201 W. Fullerton Ave.
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Enrollment requires the payment of school fees. A list of school fees is available here.
You may begin paying your 2021-22 fees as early as Monday, May 3, 2021. Payment is due in full by Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.
Families have several payment options:
► Pay online via the District 401 webstore with a credit or debit card.
► Pay by mail with a check or money order.
OPTION 1: To pay online with a credit or debit card
► Go to the D401 webstore by clicking this link.
► Once logged in, click on the yellow "PAY DEBTS" tab.
► Fees have been pre-loaded to student accounts.
► You have the option to make full payment or installment payments.
► Payment is due in full by Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.
OPTION 2: To pay by mail with a check or money order
► Download a payment form for each of your students by clicking this link.
► Fill out a payment form for each student.
► Mail your check or money order, payable to EPCUSD401, along with copies of your proofs of residency and forms to:
Kim Kaminski
EPHS
8201 W. Fullerton
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
► You have the option to make full payment or installment payments.
► Payment is due in full by Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.
PAYMENT DETAILS: For more information about each payment option described above, click here to visit our School Fees page.
IMPORTANT: Enrollment is not complete without proof of residency. Residency documents are due by Friday, July 23, 2021.
PAYMENT PLANS: You may pay in installments by mail or on the webstore beginning Monday, May 3, 2021. Please pay in full by Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.
FEE WAIVER: To qualify, you must meet the federal income eligibility requirements for free meals listed below. You must also provide income verification for all members in your household.
WAIVER DETAILS: Income requirements are subject to change. For more information about obtaining a waiver, click here to visit our School Fees Waiver page.
FREE & REDUCED LUNCH: Applications for free and reduced-price meals can be submitted after Aug. 1, 2021.
REMINDER: Students who qualified for free or reduced-price lunch in 2020-21 are carried over automatically for the first two weeks of the 2021-22 school year. But remember, you must re-apply for the lunch program every school year.
Enrollment also includes submission of the following consent forms:
► Digital Citizenship Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Contract — to be posted
► District Policies for Student Handbooks
- READ THIS PAGE FIRST, THEN SUBMIT A SIGN-OFF SHEET
- Sign-Off Sheet in English
- Sign-Off Sheet in Polish — to be posted
- Sign-Off Sheet in Spanish — to be posted
These forms must be completed in the parent portal in PowerSchool. If you do not have a PowerSchool account, contact your school so one can be created.
Once you have created your account, click on "Forms" in the portal and follow the directions.
The following District 401 documents and forms pertain to all or some returning students.
All students, regardless of school, must submit the Proof of Residency Form and the Student Medical Information Form.
Please read the comments in parentheses under each document for more information about each item. Documents are listed in alphabetical order.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS & ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
► District 401 Proof of Residency Form
(This must be returned by all students; three supporting documents are needed as well)
► Fee Schedule and Payment Form
(Payment of fees is required unless waived, but this form does not have to be returned if you pay online)
► School Entrance Health Letter | D401 Superintendent of Schools
(Required reading for parents; lists all required medical exams and immunizations)
► Student Medical Information Form
(Required of all students; this is separate from K, 6th & 9th physical exam forms)
ADDITIONAL RESIDENCY DOCUMENT
► Letter of Residence from Landlord
(To be used as evidence of residency when a signed lease is unavailable; other supporting documents will also be required to establish residency)
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
► Band Boosters Membership Form — to be posted
(Downloadable PDF for your convenience — optional)
► District Calendar for 2021-22 School Year
(Downloadable PDF for your convenience — optional)
► Military Children Registration Form
(To be used to help identify Illinois military families — optional)
► Student Data Form
(To be used only if you've changed your address, phone number, email address, etc.)
If you are looking for a document or form that pertains to a specific school, please scroll to the individual school sections located elsewhere on this page.
Students attend John Mills Elementary School if they are in grades K-5 and live north of the railroad tracks.
In addition, all preschool (PK3 & PK4) students attend John Mills.
The first day of school for 2021-22 is Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
Homerooms will be posted on the John Mills school doors several days prior to the first day of school. Please do not call the office for this information.
The following forms and documents apply to 2021-22 John Mills students. Please read the comments in parentheses for more information about each item.
HEALTH FORMS
► Child Health Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all kindergarten students)
► Dental Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all kindergarten and 2nd-grade students)
► Eye Examination Report | State of Illinois
(Required of all kindergarten students)
OTHER FORMS
► Elementary School Student Questionnaire
(Required of all elementary students, grades K-5)
QUESTIONS DURING SUMMER BREAK
John Mills' main office will be closed during summer break.
The Elmwood Park High School offices will be open all summer to answer your 2021-22 enrollment questions:
► Contact Person | Ms. Kim Kaminski, Registrar
► Email | registration@epcusd401.org
► Phone | 708-583-6479
► Fax | 708-452-0732
Students attend Elmwood Elementary School if they are in grades K-5 and live south of the railroad tracks.
The first day of school for 2021-22 is Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
Homerooms will be posted on the Elmwood school doors several days prior to the first day of school. Please do not call the office for this information.
The following forms and documents apply to 2021-22 Elmwood students. Please read the comments in parentheses for more information about each item.
HEALTH FORMS
► Child Health Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all kindergarten students)
► Dental Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all kindergarten and 2nd-grade students)
► Eye Examination Report | State of Illinois
(Required of all kindergarten students)
OTHER FORMS
► Elementary School Student Questionnaire
(Required of all elementary students, grades K-5)
QUESTIONS DURING SUMMER BREAK
Elmwood's main office will be closed during summer break.
The Elmwood Park High School offices will be open all summer to answer your 2021-22 enrollment questions:
► Contact Person | Ms. Kim Kaminski, Registrar
► Email | registration@epcusd401.org
► Phone | 708-583-6479
► Fax | 708-452-0732
Students attend Elm Middle School if they are in grades 6-8.
The first day of school for 2021-22 is Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
Elm schedules can be viewed on PowerSchool two to three days prior to the first day of school. Please do not call the office for this information.
The following forms and documents apply to 2021-22 Elm students. Please read the comments in parentheses for more information about each item.
HEALTH FORMS
► Child Health Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all 6th-grade students)
► Dental Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all 6th-grade students)
OTHER FORMS
► District 401 Chromebook Policy, Procedures & Information — to be posted
(Required reading for all students, grades 6-8)
► Elm Athletic Pre-Participation Examination Form
(Required of all students who want to join an Elm sports team)
QUESTIONS DURING SUMMER BREAK
Elm's main office will be closed during summer break.
The Elmwood Park High School offices will be open all summer to answer your 2021-22 enrollment questions:
► Contact Person | Ms. Kim Kaminski, Registrar
► Email | registration@epcusd401.org
► Phone | 708-583-6479
► Fax | 708-452-0732
Students attend Elmwood Park High School if they are in grades 9-12.
The first day of school for 2021-22 is Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021.
EPHS schedules can be viewed on PowerSchool two to three days prior to the first day of school. Please do not call the office for this information.
The following forms and documents apply to 2021-22 EPHS students. Please read the comments in parentheses for more information about each item.
Please note that some items may not be available until this summer.
HEALTH FORM
► Child Health Examination Form | State of Illinois
(Required of all 9th-grade students)
OTHER FORMS
► District 401 Chromebook Policy, Procedures & Information — to be posted
(Required reading for all students, grades 9-12)
► EPHS Athletic Pre-Participation Examination Form
(Required of all students who want to join an EPHS sports team)
► EPHS Bus Route Selection Form (English & Spanish)
(For students who are eligible for EPHS school bus transportation)
► EPHS Records Request Form for New/Transferring Students
(Required for students transferring to EPHS — this form will be sent to previous school)
► EPHS Tiger Booster Club Membership Form — to be posted
(Downloadable PDF for your convenience — optional)
QUESTIONS DURING SUMMER BREAK
The Elmwood Park High School offices will be open all summer to answer your 2020-21 enrollment questions:
► Contact Person | Ms. Kim Kaminski, Registrar
► Email | registration@epcusd401.org
► Phone | 708-583-6479
► Fax | 708-452-0732