With the first day of class only three weeks away, Birmingham City Schools is urging families to complete student registration now to avoid long lines on the first day.
Nearly 10,000 students have not completed the registration process for the upcoming school year. The online registration portal opened in April, but only 45% of Birmingham City Schools students have registered.
“Every family that has not completed registration should make it a priority,” Superintendent Mark Sullivan said in a statement. “This helps our scholars enjoy a smooth transition into the next grade.”
The first day of school for the 2026-27 school year is Monday, August 10.
Increasing enrollment has been a goal for the district in recent years. Birmingham City Schools saw a slight enrollment increase of about 0.5% in 2024, marking the first increase in nearly 30 years.
In 2025, the City of Birmingham received a $43,000 grant from Penny Foundation Inc. to provide $500 cash bonuses at random to families whose children were registered and present on the first day of class for the 2025-26 school year.
According to the district’s website, 18,385 students were enrolled in Birmingham City Schools during the 2025-26 school year.
The district said completing registration is important because it helps ensure schools have instructional materials, supplies, classrooms and other resources ready for the first day of school.
“Families should not wait,” Sullivan said.
“Timely registration helps schools finalize staffing, classroom assignments, student schedules, transportation, and other essential services before students return.”
Birmingham City Schools said its outreach efforts are becoming more targeted, with parents and guardians of students who have not yet registered being contacted. The district is also monitoring completion rates and scheduling registration appointments.
“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 said.
Registration can be completed on the district’s website.
Families needing in-person assistance may visit their zoned school for help. School personnel can also help families complete the online registration process.
Bilingual families needing assistance can contact one of the Spanish support line numbers to schedule an appointment.
Families needing assistance can call one of the following numbers:
English: 205-231-2690, 205-231-2691, or 205-231-2692
Spanish: 205-231-9700 or 205-231-9710
