Public & Private Schooling (K-12)
Enrolling children in American schools is one of the first big decisions Indian families face — and the system is set up very differently from India. Public schools are free and tied to where you live; private schools charge tuition and admit selectively. These are the official federal tools for finding and comparing schools, plus the rules that protect your child's place in the classroom.
Find & compare schools (official federal tools)
- NCES — Search for Public Schools ↗
The U.S. government's official directory of every public school and district. Search by address to find your assigned schools.
- NCES — Search for Private Schools ↗
Official directory of private schools, with enrollment, grades served and religious affiliation.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) ↗
The federal statistics agency for education — the primary source behind most school data you'll see elsewhere.
- U.S. Department of Education ↗
Federal policy, parent resources and links to every state education agency.
- USA.gov — Education ↗
Plain-English gateway to school, financial aid and education services across government.
Public schooling: how enrollment works
- GreatSchools — School Choice guide ↗
Nonprofit explainer on district, charter, magnet and choice options. Ratings are one input — visit before deciding.
- Head Start & Early Head Start ↗
Free federal early-childhood programs for eligible families with children under 5.
- CDC — State school immunization requirements ↗
Vaccination rules are set by each state and must be met to enroll — map your child's Indian records against them early.
Private & independent schools
- NAIS — National Association of Independent Schools ↗
Membership body for independent schools; useful for understanding accreditation and admissions norms.
- Private School Review ↗
Directory with tuition ranges and profiles. Commercial site — verify details with the school directly.
- NCES — Private school directory ↗
The official cross-check for any private school's basic facts.
Your child's rights at school
- IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ↗
Federal law guaranteeing free appropriate public education and special-education services for eligible children.
- ED — IDEA law & policy ↗
- Student Privacy (FERPA) ↗
Your rights over your child's education records.
- ED — Office for Civil Rights ↗
Where to raise discrimination complaints, including on national origin.
Looking ahead to college
- NCES College Navigator ↗
Official tool to compare US colleges on cost, admissions and outcomes.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ↗
Eligibility depends on immigration status — check before assuming.
