Moving to Santa Monica with school‑age kids and a tight timeline? Getting your SMMUSD school plan right can shape when you sign a lease, schedule movers, and finalize escrow. This planner walks you through enrollment requirements, permits, health forms, and special programs so you can make confident decisions. You will also find a step‑by‑step checklist and key links to verify details quickly. Let’s dive in.
How SMMUSD assigns schools
Your first step is to confirm your neighborhood school. SMMUSD assigns students based on your residential address, and you enroll at your home school. Use the district’s School Locator and enrollment guidance on the SMMUSD enrollment page, then call the school to confirm any site‑specific procedures.
Required documents to enroll
Proof of residency
SMMUSD verifies residency before issuing enrollment paperwork. Schools typically request current documents such as a lease or mortgage, utility bills, or official mail. Some sites ask for physical documents presented in person. District pages reference both a 30‑day and a 45‑day age window for certain documents, so confirm the exact requirement with your school registrar.
Identification and school forms
Have your child’s birth certificate or passport to verify birth date. Bring current immunization records. For kindergarten or first grade, a physical may be required. For middle and high school transfers, be ready to provide recent report cards or transcripts.
Health and immunizations
California law requires up‑to‑date immunizations for school admission and for students advancing to 7th grade. SMMUSD enforces these rules, and students without required vaccines can be excluded. Medical exemptions are available only through the state’s CAIR‑ME process. Kindergarten students also need an oral health assessment by the end of the first year in public school. Review the district’s guidance on the SMMUSD Health Services page and request records from your pediatrician early.
Understanding SMMUSD permits
If you want a school other than your assigned site, or you live outside the district and wish to attend an SMMUSD school, start with the SMMUSD Permits page. There are two pathways, each with its own timeline and documentation.
Intradistrict permits (within SMMUSD)
Families who live inside SMMUSD may request placement at a different SMMUSD school. Application windows typically open in late winter or early spring. Approvals depend on space and program availability, and some schools use waitlists or lotteries. Always check the school’s page for site‑specific priorities and procedures.
Interdistrict permits (outside to SMMUSD)
If you live outside SMMUSD, you need an outgoing release from your home district and an SMMUSD interdistrict application. SMMUSD publishes a priority order that includes categories such as SMMUSD employees, siblings of current permit holders, City of Santa Monica or Malibu employees, employees working within SMMUSD boundaries, and several others. Review the documentation requirements and full priority list in the Interdistrict Permit Information.
Expect a decision within about 60 days after you submit a complete application. For 2025, applications received after August 22 were considered late and reviewed only if space allowed. Parents are responsible for transportation for students attending on interdistrict permits. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Continuing enrollment for permit holders
Students on interdistrict permits typically do not need to reapply each year, but they must submit a Verification of Continuing Enrollment annually. For 2025, the deadline was June 1. Permits may be revoked for reasons such as excessive absences or tardies, academic or behavior concerns, fraudulent documentation, or if the original basis for the permit is no longer valid. See the district’s Verification of Continuing Enrollment for details.
Special programs and schools of choice
Some programs have their own application and selection process. Edison Language Academy offers a dual immersion program with high demand, priorities, and lotteries when applications exceed available seats. Out‑of‑district students may be admitted when space allows, and enrollment depends on obtaining an interdistrict permit. Check current timelines and orientation requirements on the Edison Language Academy admissions page. SMASH and other choice options may also have separate procedures, so review each school’s admissions page and confirm whether a permit or additional application is required.
Timelines at a glance
- TK and kindergarten: SMMUSD generally opens TK/K enrollment in late winter, with districtwide tours or roundups in January. See the district’s TK/K information to plan ahead.
- Intradistrict permits: Windows typically open in late winter or early spring. Confirm the current year’s dates on the permits information page.
- Interdistrict permits: For 2025, applications became available in July, with late submissions after August 22 reviewed only if space permitted. Check annual timelines on the district’s permits information page.
- Decision timing: The district indicates about 60 days for interdistrict permit decisions once your application is complete.
Step‑by‑step relocation checklist
Before you sign a lease or close:
- Confirm your assigned school using the district’s School Locator on the SMMUSD enrollment page.
- If you want a specific program such as Edison, review its admissions window and requirements.
Within 30 to 45 days before enrollment:
- Gather proof of residency documents. Because district pages reference both a 30‑day and 45‑day requirement for certain items, confirm the exact standard with your school.
- Request immunization records from your pediatrician. Complete required kindergarten physical and oral health assessment if applicable.
- For middle or high school transfers, collect report cards or transcripts.
If you live outside SMMUSD and want an SMMUSD school:
- Start early. Obtain an outgoing release from your home district, complete the SMMUSD interdistrict application with all required documentation, and submit a complete packet. Plan for up to 60 days for a decision.
- Arrange transportation, since families are responsible for getting students to and from school on interdistrict permits.
If you already attend on an interdistrict permit:
- Submit the annual Verification of Continuing Enrollment by the district deadline and keep any employment documentation that supports your permit category.
Planning a move with school timelines in mind can reduce stress and protect your options. If you want help aligning home search, escrow dates, and school application windows, connect with Lisa Bourque for a tailored relocation plan.
FAQs
How do I find my assigned SMMUSD school after I move to Santa Monica?
- Use the School Locator on the SMMUSD enrollment page and call your school to confirm boundaries and site procedures.
What documents do I need to enroll my child in SMMUSD?
- Bring proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate or passport, immunization records, and transcripts for mid‑year transfers; confirm whether residency documents must be dated within 30 or 45 days with your school.
How do SMMUSD interdistrict permits work for families living outside the district?
- You need an outgoing release from your home district and a complete SMMUSD application; decisions usually come within about 60 days, parents provide transportation, and new 12th grade interdistrict applications are not accepted.
Can my child attend Edison Language Academy if we live outside SMMUSD?
- You must apply to Edison during its window, then secure an interdistrict permit if offered a seat; admission depends on program priorities, lotteries, and space.
What if I live in SMMUSD but want a different school than my assigned one?
- Apply for an intradistrict permit during the annual window; approvals depend on space and program availability, and some sites use waitlists or lotteries.
