Enrollment Guide · 2026-2027 School Year
Welcome to the Helendale family.
We are glad your family has chosen to be part of our school community. Helendale School District serves students in grades TK-12 across four school sites. Select a section below to view enrollment for each school, along with district programs and the support services available to your child.
Our Schools
Four schools. One connected path, TK through 12.
Every Helendale student has a place here, from their very first day of Transitional Kindergarten to their diploma. If you are unsure which school your child should attend, call the District Office at (760) 952-1180 and a staff member will help guide you to the right placement.
Grades TK-6
Helendale Elementary School
Where the journey begins. Enroll in person at the school office or online through Aeries, whichever is easier for your family.
Grades 7-8
Riverview Middle School
The middle years, done together. RMS shares a campus and office with ACE, so the path to high school is right down the hall.
Grades 7-12
Academy of Careers & Exploration
Our academy campus, open to students from six Southern California counties. Enrollment is available in person or online.
Grades K-12 · Independent Study
Independence Charter Academy
Full-time independent study with a credentialed teacher of record, completed entirely online, open to families in six counties.
Start Here
Who may enroll, and what every family needs
Who May Enroll
Students who reside within the Helendale School District boundaries are eligible to enroll at their neighborhood school.
Live outside our boundaries? You may still belong here. Students seeking enrollment at the Academy of Careers and Exploration or Independence Charter Academy must reside in one of the following counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, or Inyo. In addition, inter-district transfer students may be eligible to enroll in Helendale Elementary School or Riverview Middle School with proper authorization. See how transfers work.
Documents Every Family Needs
Regardless of which school your child will attend, all enrolling families must provide the following. Gather these first and enrollment goes quickly.
- Completed Enrollment Packet On paper, or online through Aeries at helendalesd.aeries.net
- Proof of Birth Date Birth certificate, hospital record, or medical card
- Up-to-Date Immunization Records See the immunization requirements below
- Home Language Survey Required by California law for all enrolling students
- Copies of current IEP or 504 Plan If applicable. Provide the most recent copy
- High School Transcripts Required for ACE and ICA high school students
California Immunization Requirements
California law requires all students to have up-to-date immunizations before starting school. The required vaccines for admission are:
- Polio4 doses
- DTaP5 doses. Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
- Hepatitis B3 doses
- MMR2 doses. Measles, mumps, rubella
- Varicella2 doses. Chickenpox
- Tdap boosterRequired for 7th-12th grade students
Students may be conditionally admitted if they have begun the immunization series and are not currently due for additional doses. Students who transfer from another U.S. school may be admitted for up to 30 school days while immunization records are being transferred.
For more information on immunization requirements, visit ShotsForSchool.org or contact your child's school office.
Health Examination & Oral Health Assessment
All students entering TK or Kindergarten for the first time in a California public school, or students new to the California school system, are required to have:
- A health examination, or a completed waiver form
- An oral health assessment by a licensed California dental professional by May 31 of the student's first school year, or a completed waiver form
If you are unable to obtain a health examination or dental assessment, please ask the school office for the appropriate waiver form.
Helendale Elementary School · Grades TK-6
Two easy ways to enroll at HES
Helendale Elementary School enrolls students in grades Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade. Enroll in person at the school office or online through Aeries, whichever works best for your family.
We handle the records request for you. The school office will send a Request for Student Records to your child's previous school by mail, including medical and health records, the cumulative folder and transcript, and any psychological testing or special education placements.
Proof of Residency
Families living with someone whose name is not on any paperwork should have the person with proof of residency provide a signed letter stating that you are living in their home, along with one of the following documents: a utility bill, a rental or lease agreement, or a real estate closing statement.
Custodial Parent Information
By law, if parents are legally separated or divorced, each parent has equal rights to custody unless a court order states otherwise. If a court order exists, the school must have a copy on file. Without a court order, either parent may pick up the child with proper identification.
Riverview Middle School · Grades 7-8 | Academy of Careers & Exploration · Grades 7-12
One campus, one office, one simple process
Riverview Middle School serves grades 7-8 and the Academy of Careers & Exploration serves grades 7-12. Both schools share a campus and office, so a single visit or a single online application starts everything. Enrollment is available in person or online.
Step 1: Submit Your Enrollment Packet
Complete an enrollment packet online, or pick up a paper packet at the school office. The following documents are required:
- Completed Enrollment Packet Paper, or online
- Up-to-Date Immunization Records
- Birth Certificate or Proof of Birth Date
- IEP or 504 Plan Most recent copy, if applicable
- Proof of Residency RMS students only. Utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease agreement
- Transcript and Withdrawal Grades 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
- Last Report Card and Withdrawal Grades 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students
Start the Online Packet Prefer paper? Pick one up at the school office.
Step 2: Complete Your Second Enrollment Packet
Once initial enrollment is processed, families are asked to complete a second set of forms. These forms are important for your child's health, safety, and privacy while at school:
- Medical Information & Authorization to Consent to Treatment of Minor
- Release of Student Name, Address, and Phone Number
- Acknowledgment of Parent/Guardian: Specific School Activities
- Grades K-12 Acceptable Use Agreement Technology and internet use
- Parent Equal Rights
- Consent for Release of Student Photograph and Personally Identifiable Information
- Student Background Information
- Home Language Survey
- Lunch Application School funding. All families are encouraged to complete this
Records request: the school office will send a Request for Student Records to your child's previous school after enrollment is completed. Federal law (FERPA, 99.31) states that no parent signature is required for educational records transferred between educational agencies.
Getting Started: What Your Student Receives
After enrollment is complete, your child will receive:
- A school email address (@helendalesd.com) and login instructions
- Access to the Aeries Parent/Student Portal at helendalesd.aeries.net
- Information about school counselors, the weekly parent newsletter, and the school calendar at helendalesd.org
If your child needs short-term Independent Study, from 1 to 15 days, please contact the school office directly.
Bell Schedule
Regular Day
7:20 AM - 2:22 PM1st period begins at 7:20 AM
Minimum Day
7:20 AM - 12:06 PM1st period begins at 7:20 AM
Everyday helpers: bus routes are available at helendalesd.org or by calling the school office. Absences can be reported by calling 760-952-2396, by emailing amunoz@helendalesd.com, or by replying directly to the Aeries attendance notification with the reason for the absence.
Independence Charter Academy · Grades K-12
School that comes to you, with a teacher who knows you
Independence Charter Academy is a full-time independent study program offered by Helendale School District. Students work with a credentialed teacher of record in a structured virtual environment. ICA is a voluntary alternative to traditional classroom enrollment. Students must choose this option willingly and always have the right to return to a traditional classroom setting.
- Open to six counties. ICA accepts students from San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, and Inyo counties, and enrollment is completed entirely online.
- Open to every student. Including those with IEPs, 504 Plans, English Learner status, foster youth, and students experiencing homelessness.
- Real connection, every week. Students report to their teacher by daily Zoom for grades K-8 and weekly for grades 9-12.
- Technology included. ICA provides each student with a Chromebook at no cost, and internet access is provided unless a waiver is signed.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
- Apply online at independencecharteracademy.com or helendalesd.aeries.net/air/eligibility.aspx.
- The ICA office will contact you to request supporting documents, if you are not already an HSD student: proof of address within an approved county, proof of birth, most recent grades and transcripts for high school students, and an IEP or 504 plan if applicable.
- The ICA office will schedule a meeting between your child, the parent or guardian, and the assigned ICA teacher for screening and approval.
- If your child has an IEP, the Special Education teacher will also review the IEP prior to enrollment.
- Once approved, you will be asked to sign the Master Agreement and the Williams Act Internet Access form. These can be signed digitally or in person at the school office.
- The ICA office will send a records request to your child's previous school.
- Your child will be enrolled in Aeries, and you will be notified once enrollment is complete.
- A Chromebook and charger will be issued to your child. These may be picked up at the school office or mailed.
Apply to ICA Questions? Email t.munoz@helendalesd.com or call 760-952-1760
The Master Agreement
All ICA families sign an annual Master Agreement. This agreement covers:
- How your child will report to their teacher: daily Zoom for grades K-8, weekly for grades 9-12
- Attendance requirements: classwork login and live interaction are required for daily attendance
- Learning objectives, course assignments, and how your child will be evaluated
- Devices and connectivity: ICA provides a Chromebook and internet access unless a waiver is signed
- Academic expectations, including mandatory tutoring for students who fall significantly behind
Independent study assignments must be completed no more than one week after they are assigned. Students who fall four or more assignments behind will receive a notification about inadequate progress and may be referred for re-engagement support.
Attendance at ICA
Attendance at ICA is taken through daily classwork login and live interaction with the assigned teacher. Absences and incomplete assignments are considered unexcused and will be reported as truancies. Students who are assessed two or more grade levels below in reading or math are required to attend a weekly intervention class in addition to their regular meetings.
Device and Internet Access
ICA will provide each student with a Chromebook at no cost. Families may choose to use their own devices by completing a Williams Act Internet Access Requirement Waiver. A replacement charge of $250.00 applies for lost or damaged equipment.
Unenrollment from ICA
If you need to unenroll your child from ICA, please contact the school office. A withdrawal form will be completed, and the Chromebook, charger, and hotspot, if applicable, must be returned.
Independence Charter Academy · 15350 Riverview Road, Helendale, CA 92342 · 760-952-1760 · t.munoz@helendalesd.com · independencecharteracademy.com
Early Learners
Starting early: TK, preschool, and ages 3-5
Helendale School District offers Transitional Kindergarten for eligible students. Additional preschool program details are provided by the District Office based on the programs available each school year.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Transitional Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year Kindergarten program. Under California law (EC 48000), the following students are eligible:
- Children who turn 5 years old between September 2 and June 2 of the current school year
- Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, eligibility has been expanded. Contact the District Office for the most current age cutoff information
TK follows the same enrollment process as Kindergarten. Families must provide all standard enrollment documents listed in the documents section above.
Preschool / Pre-K Programs
The district does not offer Preschool or Pre-K programming; however, HSD partners with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), who may offer preschool programs for children ages 3-4. Eligibility and availability vary by year. Please contact SBCSS to discover preschool options near you.
Special Education Early Childhood Services (Ages 3-5)
Children who are suspected of having a disability may be referred for a special education evaluation beginning at age 3. Evaluations are provided at no cost to families and are conducted by the county's special education team.
If you have concerns about your child's development, please contact the District Office to request a referral. You do not need to enroll your child in a district school program to request an evaluation.
Inter-District Transfers
Coming to Helendale from another district
An inter-district transfer allows a student who lives in one school district to attend school in a different school district. Transfers must be approved by both the district the student is leaving, called the district of residence, and Helendale School District.
Requesting a Transfer INTO Helendale School District
- Obtain an inter-district transfer permit from your district of residence approving the transfer to HSD.
- Submit the approved permit to the Helendale School District office for review.
- HSD will review the request and respond with approval or denial based on available space, program offerings, and district capacity.
- If approved, complete standard enrollment at the assigned school site.
Inter-district transfers are not automatically guaranteed and may be revoked if the student does not maintain satisfactory attendance, behavior, or academic progress, or if capacity at the receiving school changes.
Requesting a Transfer OUT of Helendale School District
If your child lives within HSD boundaries but you wish to enroll them in another school district, you must request a release from Helendale School District. Please contact the District Office to begin this process at 15350 Riverview Road, Helendale, CA 92342, or call 760-952-1180 ext. 1101.
Per California Education Code Section 46600-46611, inter-district transfers must not exceed five years.
Intra-District Transfers (Within HSD)
If your child is already enrolled in one HSD school and you wish to transfer them to a different HSD school site, for example from HES to ICA, please contact your site principal to discuss your options. Due to the size of HSD, the district only has one elementary school and one middle school, so an intra-district transfer permit is not required.
Special Education
Support for every learner, including county placements
Helendale School District is committed to providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. In some cases, a student's Individual Education Program (IEP) team may determine that the student's needs cannot be fully met within HSD's programs and that a placement in a county or regional special education program is most appropriate.
What Is a County Placement?
A county placement refers to a special education program operated by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS). These programs serve students with more intensive needs across a range of disability categories. Examples of county-operated programs may include:
- Non-public school (NPS) placements
- Severely handicapped (SH) or severe disabilities classrooms
- Emotionally disturbed (ED) day treatment programs
- Extended School Year (ESY) programs provided by the county
- Extensive Support Needs (ESN) classrooms
How County Placements Are Determined
County placements are always determined by the student's IEP team, which includes the parent or guardian as an equal member. The IEP team considers all available options within the district before recommending a more restrictive setting. A county placement is recommended only when:
- The student's needs require a level of service intensity not available within HSD
- The IEP team has considered and documented less restrictive placement options
- The proposed placement is consistent with FAPE and the least restrictive environment (LRE) requirement
Parents and guardians have the right to participate fully in all IEP meetings, provide consent for initial placements, and request a change in placement at any time by contacting the Director of Educational Services or your site's principal.
Enrollment in a County Placement
When a student is placed in a county program, HSD remains the student's district of residence and continues to be responsible for ensuring FAPE. The following steps are typically involved:
- The IEP team meets to discuss and agree on the county placement.
- HSD contacts the county program to confirm availability and initiate the referral.
- Parents are provided with a copy of the IEP and a Prior Written Notice documenting the placement decision.
- Parent consent is obtained before the placement begins.
- HSD coordinates with SBCSS to arrange transportation, if included in the IEP.
- The IEP is reviewed annually to determine whether the county placement continues to be appropriate.
Questions About Special Education Services
If you have questions about your child's current placement, would like to request an IEP meeting, or have concerns about your child's educational program, please contact the Director of Educational Services at 15350 Riverview Road, Helendale, CA 92342, 760-952-1180, or lditulio@helendalesd.com.
Quick Reference
School contacts and resources
Helendale Elementary (HES)
Riverview Middle / ACE
760-952-1266
amunoz@helendalesd.com
Mon-Thu 7-3 · Fri 7-1
Independence Charter Academy
760-952-1760
t.munoz@helendalesd.com
independencecharteracademy.com
District Office / Ed Services
760-952-1180
Special Ed, 504, McKinney-Vento,
Inter-District Transfers
District Website
Aeries Parent Portal
Thank you for choosing Helendale School District. We look forward to partnering with your family.