Op here. Thanks so much. Very helpful to hear how it's worked in the past!

We got a call from MV the week before school started last year. They were super nice and said they'd let us bring our kid in once school started and do a day-long visit before we made a decision. Pretty impressive they'd allow that though, I think some give a 24 hour window, sight-unseen.

A few years ago, we got a call from a lead charter about a month into school, and they had called several people from the list, and it was basically first-come, first-served (we took it). They likely don't still do it this way, now that there's more oversight, but I do think closer to count day there's a little Wild West that creeps in (and you certainly wouldn't have more than a day).

LAMB gave us 24 hours to respond when they called us off the WL in September.

I don't think I've ever turned in a dental form for my kids. They see the dentist regularly but I've never remembered to request a form for school and the schools have never come after me about it. My kids are 8th and 3th grade, both have been in DCPS since 3 years old.

we have copies of medical and dental as well as electronic version.

that way we can send immediately and follow up w a paper if needed.

(note - some camps need electronic versions of health forms so having it ready to go saves a step in the future.

I got a call after school started a couple years ago, and I had 24 hours. I had friends have the same thing happen last year, and they also had less than 24 hours. At that point, the schools need to act fast.

forgot to add, we needed to file the application right away and prove residency, so have those ready. but the medical form and dental could be filed later

I think it depends on when you get the call. Last year we got the call in May, and had a few days to come in and fill out enrollment papers. As time goes on, schools may only give you 24 hours. I would check the enrollment page to see what you need to have in hand to prove residency and enroll your child. Usually an original birth certificate is required, if I remember correctly.

You will have more time for health and dental forms.

from my experience enrolling and re-enrolling my kid in a DCPS school, you don't have to do the medical forms until before school starts. it's all part of the same package but you can hold on that (I think probably because a lot of people do summer check-ups?)

last year, at my DCPS parents had 5 days to respond. no response by the deadline and the school would move to the next person on the list. this until May-June. in the summer the deadline became much shorter. we were called at the beginning of August and had 24hour. a friend the previous year was called at the end of September, and was give one hour (called at 8 am, response due by 9am)

BUMP

... how long do we have to decide whether to accept? 24 hours? A few days? A week? Should we keep health and dental forms in triplicate (can they be xeroxes?) if we're decently poised on wait lists at three schools? Do they need the forms immediately?

Could anyone share past experience?