Are you planning a move to the Tri‑Valley and wondering how school enrollment works in San Ramon Valley Unified (SRVUSD) and Pleasanton Unified (PUSD)? You want a clear path so your child starts at the right school without surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find your resident school, what documents to prepare, when to enroll, how lotteries and transfers work, and what to expect if a grade is full. Let’s dive in.
Resident school basics
Both SRVUSD and PUSD assign a student’s school based on your home address, often called the resident school. Start by confirming the school that serves your address using each district’s locator:
- Use the SRVUSD School Site Locator to see your assigned elementary, middle, or high school. SRVUSD School Site Locator
- For Pleasanton addresses, use the district’s tool. PUSD School Locator
These tools are a starting point. Your student’s seat is confirmed only after you complete enrollment and residency verification with the district.
Enrollment steps and timelines
The overall flow is similar in both districts:
- Look up your resident school in the locator.
- Gather proof of residency, parent photo ID, birth certificate, immunization record, and any IEP/504.
- Complete the district’s online enrollment and respond to any follow‑up requests.
SRVUSD enrollment at a glance
- Enroll online through the district’s portal. SRVUSD posts a step‑by‑step checklist and updates timelines each year. SRVUSD Enrollment
- TK and Kindergarten typically use priority windows that open in the fall for the following school year. Check the current TK/K timeline on the district site.
- Current SRVUSD families complete the required Annual Update in mid‑July to confirm information for the new year.
Pleasanton USD enrollment at a glance
- PUSD accepts new student enrollment year‑round when you move into the district and publishes TK/K eligibility dates each year. PUSD New Student Enrollment
- For 2025–26, PUSD’s annual online registration opened July 7, 2025. Verify the current year’s date for your student. PUSD Annual Registration
Capacity, lotteries, and overflow
Both districts prioritize resident students, but some schools or grades can be impacted. If a grade is full, the district may place your student on a waitlist or overflow to another in‑district school until space opens.
- TK/Kindergarten and certain programs may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats.
- Program priorities can apply. For example, Pleasanton’s Dual Language Immersion lists priorities that include Spanish proficiency and siblings before a general lottery. Always check the program page for current rules. PUSD Dual Language Immersion
Buying inside a boundary helps, but it does not guarantee placement at that specific site if the grade is impacted. Timing, complete documentation, and sibling status can affect assignment.
Transfers and school choice
Intradistrict transfers
If you live in SRVUSD or PUSD and want a different school within the same district, you can apply during the district’s open‑enrollment windows. Approvals depend on space and cannot displace resident students.
Interdistrict permits
If you live outside SRVUSD or PUSD and want your child to attend within the district, you need an interdistrict transfer. Most requests open March 1 for the next school year, are space‑available, and may require annual renewal. Review requirements, timelines, and appeals on the district pages. SRVUSD Transfers | PUSD Interdistrict Transfers
Work location exceptions
Some families qualify for attendance based on a parent’s work location under state provisions. Check each district’s current guidance during transfer season to see if you qualify.
Documents and verification checklist
Prepare these before you start online enrollment to speed up placement:
- Parent/guardian photo ID.
- Child’s birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of residency. Districts commonly ask for two items, such as a lease or mortgage/property tax statement and a recent utility bill. See the full list and shared housing options here. SRVUSD Residency Requirements
- Immunization record that meets California requirements; medical exemptions must follow state rules. Review the state law background. California SB277
- Any IEP or 504 plan.
Note: Purchase agreements or escrow papers are generally not accepted as sole proof of residency. Ask the district about temporary verification if you are mid‑move.
Transportation and program notes
- Pleasanton USD does not provide routine bus transportation. Families typically walk, bike, carpool, or use regional transit.
- SRVUSD operates a transportation department and publishes route information each year. Availability can vary by school and route.
- Programs such as Pleasanton’s Dual Language Immersion have separate application steps and priorities. Apply during the posted windows and attend info sessions when available.
Smart timing tips for homebuyers
- Run the school locator before you write an offer to confirm which schools serve the address.
- Enroll as soon as your move is firm, and have documents ready to avoid delays.
- If you are targeting TK/Kindergarten or a special program, note application windows and lottery dates early.
- Do not assume a boundary address guarantees a seat at that site if the grade is impacted.
- If you move mid‑year, notify the district promptly and be ready with updated residency documents.
A smart plan can make your family’s school transition smooth and stress‑free. If you want help aligning your move, timing, and school goals in the East Bay, reach out to Cynthia Money for concierge guidance and local insight.
FAQs
How do I find my resident school in SRVUSD or PUSD?
- Use each district’s online school locator to see the elementary, middle, and high school that serves your address, then complete enrollment to confirm placement.
Does buying a home inside a boundary guarantee placement at that school?
- Not until your enrollment and residency are verified; impacted grades can lead to overflow or waitlists even for resident students.
When do enrollment windows open for SRVUSD and PUSD?
- PUSD’s annual registration typically opens in early July and SRVUSD’s Annual Update opens in mid‑July; TK/K priority windows often open in the fall for the next year, so always confirm current dates on district sites.
What documents should I prepare before I enroll?
- Parent ID, birth certificate or passport, two proofs of residency, immunization record, and any IEP/504 plan.
Can I enroll before escrow closes on my new home?
- Districts generally do not accept a purchase agreement as proof of residency; plan to provide a lease, deed, mortgage or property tax statement plus a recent utility bill once you have possession.
