Schools, childcare & English classes

Irvine is known for its public schools, which are a major reason families move here. Public school is free, and the school your child attends is set by your home address.

Enrolling school-age children (IUSD)

1. Confirm your address is inside the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) and find your zoned school.
2. Gather documents: proof of Irvine residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 45 days), the child’s immunization records, and age/birth verification.
3. Complete the online registration (Aeries), then finish enrollment at the assigned school.

Immunizations and residency are verified before enrollment is final — have these ready to avoid delays.

Younger children: daycare & preschool

• Find licensed daycare or preschool through the Child Care Council of Orange County or by calling 2-1-1.
• Low-income families may qualify for free or subsidized programs:
  • Orange County Head Start — free preschool for families who qualify.
  • Santiago Canyon College Child Development Center — free/reduced care for students.

Free English classes for adults (ESL)

You can improve your English for free:

• Irvine Valley College offers free, noncredit Adult ESL (AESL) classes — a great way to build language skills and meet people.

Helpful links

• IUSD Enrollment · Required documents · Online Registration (Aeries)
• Child Care Council of Orange County · Orange County Head Start · Santiago Canyon College — Child Development Center
• Irvine Valley College — Adult ESL

These steps are also summarized in the first 2 weeks checklist.