If you are a military family and are concerned about your children’s education, then this guide is for you. When a military family gets a new posting, one of the biggest questions is where and how to start their children’s education. Fortunately, both Escambia County Public Schools and Santa Rosa County Schools provide great options for children of military families.
Escambia County Public Schools currently has more than 41,000 students studying, of which more than 4,000 are military-connected. This in itself is proof that this school system gives special importance to military families.
Transitioning to the Area
If you are newly posted to Naval Air Station Pensacola and your children are of school-going age, then there is an elementary school, a middle school and a high school assigned to each of your addresses.
If you have your new address, you can immediately find out your child’s school zone information If you are currently looking for a home, school zoning maps will be a great help.
Here’s another special feature—if you want your child to study in a different public school instead of the zoned school, you can contact the Enrollment Services (School Choice) Office directly.
New posting and admission process
It often happens that as soon as new posting orders come, parents get stressed about admission. But Escambia County has made this process very easy.
If you have recent Active Duty Orders, you don’t have to wait for the move home.
You can enter your child’s record into the system by registering online.
The process is as follows:
- Create your child’s record online.
- Email a copy of the orders and the child’s name, student ID, and school name to the Enrollment Services Office.
- You will usually receive a response within 24–48 hours.
Important questions before admission
Some important questions parents should ask themselves when enrolling their child are:
- Is there already a record for your child in the Escambia Schools system?
- What type of schooling do you want—a zoned school, virtual school, charter school, or private school
- Do you want to homeschool your child?
- Do you have all the documents needed for registration?
Documents required for admission
You must first complete the online enrollment application to create a child’s record. If your child is already in the system, there is no need to create a new record.
Documents required for admission:
- Proof of address (electricity/water/gas bill, lease agreement, or temporary housing receipt)
- Child’s recent physical examination report (within 12 months)
- Immunization records
- Child’s birth certificate
- Child’s social security number (if applicable)
- Parent’s government photo ID
Schooling Options
Parents in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have several options:
- Zoned schools: Primary, middle, and high schools assigned to each address.
- School Choice: If you want your child to attend another public school that is not over-capacity, you can apply for this.
- Virtual schools: Fully online education is also available.
- Charter and private schools: This option is available for parents who want something different from traditional public school.
- Homeschooling: Many families choose to teach their children from home, and guidelines are available for this.
Santa Rosa County Schools
Not just Escambia, Santa Rosa County Schools also offer great service to military families. The schools here are strong in high-level academics, sports and activities. This is a great option, especially for families who are posted at or around Whiting Field.
Special Support for Military Families
- Both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties have dedicated Military Liaisons and Counselors for children of military families who help them with admissions, counseling, and transition.
- Support for children in adjusting to the new environment
- Study and mental health support
- Providing parents with the right information every step of the way
Conclusion
Life as a military family is a constant movement, and ensuring children’s education is a continuous and quality one is a big challenge But the school systems in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties have made it easy. Whether you choose zoned schools, school choice, virtual learning, or charter-private schools—every option is available.
The purpose of this guide is to help you make the best educational choice for your child and start your new posting without any stress.
