Social Security Cards & Registration

School System Clarifies Federal & State Requirements

Bulloch County Schools’ 15 schools enroll students throughout the year, but the beginning of the school year, the beginning of the second semester, and the pre-kindergarten registration campaign in the spring are when most students are registered. A great deal of pertinent family and student information is required, including Social Security numbers. However, public schools may not deny enrollment if either the student does not have a card or if a parent prefers to opt out of submitting this piece of identification. 

According to Georgia Law 20-2-150d, an official copy of a child’s Social Security card/number is required for public school enrollment; however, no child may be denied enrollment for failing to provide a Social Security number. Any parent or legal guardian who objects to the incorporation of the Social Security number into the child’s school records may have the requirement waived by signing a statement objecting to the requirement. 

Public school systems may not deny enrollment because they are obligated by federal law (Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) to provide all children equal access to education at the elementary and secondary levels. Federal laws prohibit discrimination against public school students on the basis of race, color and national origin. The Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.  It further bars school districts from adopting practices that have the effect of discriminating on the basis of these characteristics.

Though the State of Georgia requires its school systems to obtain a Social Security number, the state may not deny a child equal access to public education based on his or her immigration status.  Enrollment policies may not discourage participation or lead to the exclusion of students based on their or their parents’ actual or perceived immigration status or based on a student’s homeless or foster care status and consequent lack of documentation.

It’s important to note that the State of Georgia does require a Social Security number for any student applying for the HOPE scholarship.