With school just three weeks away, nearly 10,000 Birmingham students remain unregistered
Birmingham City Schools officials say timely registration is critical to finalizing staffing, schedules and classroom resources before students return August 10.
Ethan Parker 
With the 2026-27 school year kicking off on Monday, August 10, Birmingham City Schools (BCS) is sounding the alarm for parents. As of mid-July, nearly 10,000 students remain unregistered, leaving the district with a significant hurdle to clear in just three weeks.
The Urgency of Registration
Despite the online portal opening back in April, only 45% of students are currently registered. Superintendent Mark Sullivan emphasized that this process is vital for more than just paperwork. It is the backbone for finalizing essential classroom resources, scheduling, transportation, and staffing levels.
"Every family that has not completed registration should make it a priority," Sullivan said. "Timely registration helps schools finalize staffing, classroom assignments, student schedules, transportation, and other essential services before students return."
A Focus on Growth
The district is eager to keep momentum going after recent efforts to bolster enrollment. In 2024, BCS saw a 0.5% uptick in enrollment, marking a historic shift after nearly 30 years of stagnation. To support attendance, the city previously received a $43,000 grant from Penny Foundation Inc. during the 2025-26 cycle, which provided $500 cash bonuses to randomly selected families who were registered and present on the first day of school.
According to official district data, the 2025-26 school year saw an enrollment of 18,385 students.
How to Get Registered
BCS officials are currently conducting targeted outreach to families who have yet to complete their enrollment. To avoid the long lines expected on the first day of class, parents are encouraged to act immediately.
Registration is available online through the district website. For those requiring hands-on support, you can visit your zoned school, where staff are available to assist with the online process or schedule an appointment.
Need Help? Contact BCS
The district has set up dedicated support lines to assist families with the registration process:
- English Support: 205-231-2690, 205-231-2691, or 205-231-2692
- Spanish Support: 205-231-9700 or 205-231-9710
"Whether you register online, visit your zoned school, or call the technical support line for assistance, you are doing your part to ensure your student will be positioned for success from the first day of the new school year," Sullivan added.
