Residency Statement

Residency Notice for Portsmouth Schools

The Portsmouth School District is committed to providing an excellent education to all students residing in the City of Portsmouth. As a general rule, New Hampshire law requires that a student be a legal resident of Portsmouth to attend Portsmouth schools. In most cases, a child’s residence is established by where their parent(s) or guardian(s) legally resides.

The Portsmouth School District utilizes online registration. When you enroll your child, you will be asked to complete an enrollment form and provide information establishing your legal residence. This may include such documents as a deed, rental agreement, utility bills, and homeowners insurance.

If you are a guardian of a child, the district will also require proof of your guardianship.  This would include a copy of the court order approving your guardianship. If you are a relative who is caring for a child, such as a grandchild, New Hampshire law requires that you have a pending petition for guardianship before you enroll your child in the district.  You will be required to provide us with a copy of that petition. Please note that New Hampshire law prohibits seeking guardianship solely so that a child can attend a school outside of their district of residence.

If you are a divorced parent, then your court-approved parenting plan will likely identify the district of residence for purposes of your child’s school attendance.  Please provide us with a current copy of the plan. Note that you are also under an obligation to notify us of any changes in your parenting plan. If you do not have a parenting plan, please provide us with a copy of the most current court order which addresses custody. As a general rule, the legal residence of a child of divorced parents without a parenting plan will be determined by a court order.

If you and the other parent of your child are living apart and not divorced, then your child’s legal residence is with the parent whom your child resides.  

Finally, if you are not a resident of Portsmouth, and still wish for your child to attend Portsmouth schools you will need to receive the Superintendent’s permission per School Board Policy JFAB. If your child's admittance is approved, it will be contingent upon you paying tuition.