Education

Delaware law requires children ages 5-16 to enroll in school. All children who will be 5 years of age on or before 31 August must enroll in Kindergarten.
While living in the Temporary Lodging Facility and/or residing on base your children will attend the following Caesar Rodney School District schools: Major George S. Welch Elementary (K-5); Dover Air Base Middle (6-8); or Caesar Rodney High School (9 - 12). If you plan to live off base, we encourage you to research the school districts serving the areas in which you are house-hunting. Visit the Delaware State Department of Education website to determine what school district serves that area and review statistics about each school district and even individual schools. For other specific information, please see school listings below. Contact the installation School Liaison Program (SLP) for school contact information and other educational resources at 302-677-4622.

The network of public schools in Kent County, Delaware, offers well-rounded programs designed to meet the needs of all students; such as Advanced Placement and Dual-Credit courses; Adult Education; competitive athletic and fine/performing arts programs; the Delaware Autistic Program; Special Education to include services for blind, deaf or hearing impaired students and those with other physical, academic, or emotional needs; programs for bilingual and ESL students; career education programs; Child find (screening and placement for children ages 3-5); college prep courses; technology education and services; Guidance and Counseling; Wellness Centers; Kindergarten; and Vocational/Technical Programs.

Home School

Some families at Dover AFB choose to home school their children. Many of them enjoy educational and social activities together. More information about home schooling can be found by visiting the Delaware Department of Education website (http://www.doe.k12.de.us), or by contacting the School Liaison Program Manager at 302-677-4622.

Dover AFB Military and families have a variety of options when it comes to taking college courses. Dover AFB hosts two on-base academic institutions; Delaware State University, and Wilmington University. In-person classes are available on base, as well as online options for many degree programs. Please visit the third floor of Building 261 to obtain more information about degree programs, term dates, and admissions to the on-base schools. For other options in the local area, Delaware Technical Community College and University of Delaware are within a commutable distance to the base (but do not offer on-base classes or office hours). Interested students should visit their campus to meet with an advisor

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School Liaison Program

The School Liaison Program at Dover AFB provides military families with transitional support and/or technical assistance for their student's K-12 educational needs and provides information on public, private, and homeschooling in Delaware. The SLP also provides technical assistance and support for students with special education needs. The School Liaison Program Manager (SLPM) provides seminars, workshops, and briefings to military families about educational issues in general and within special education. The workshops assist families in learning self-advocacy skills to better articulate issues. The SLPM also provides workshops for school personnel (teachers, counselors, and school administrators) to help them better understand the unique issues that impact military children.

In addition to providing information to incoming families, the SLP also provides outbound families information, resources, and referrals for their next duty assignment.

The SLP is located at the Dover Air Force Base Education Center and can be reached at 302-677-4622 or via Facebook (Dover AFB School Liaison Program).

Please see the following school district websites for specific information on schools:

• Caesar Rodney School District
• Capital School District
• Lake Forest School District
• Milford School District
• Polytech School District
• Smyrna School District

All of Dover's airman quarters are controlled by the Housing Management Office's Central Dorm Management office. You can contact the Central Dorm Management office by calling 302-677-2074/6971 during duty hours. Airmen arriving after duty hours need to report to Bldg 800, Lodging office, the 24-hour reception point. Airmen assigned to Dover AFB can expect to be housed in a dormitory room. Dover currently has 543 dorm rooms in 6 buildings.

English as a Second Language

Some classes are offered at local colleges. Please call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 302-677-6930 for more information.

The Delaware School Choice Program

Choice applications will be accepted beginning in November for students in grades 1-12, and must be submitted to the "District/School of Choice" on or before the second Wednesday in January for the school year. Choice applications for enrollment in a Kindergarten program are due to the "District of Choice" on or before the first day of school. School Choice Application Forms are available from either the student's school district of residence or online at www.doe.k12.de.us.

Each school district will determine whether or not it is open to school choice, and if so, applications will be filled accordingly. For more information about school choice policies, please refer to each district's website.

High School Completion/GED Programs

Non-graduates may enroll in classes off base to pursue completion of a regular Delaware State high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Delaware Technical and Community College, 302-857-1000 and the POLYTECH Adult Education Program, 302-697-2170 offer these programs. Please call for further information.

High School Graduation Requirements beginning with Class of 2016

No public school student will be granted a State of Delaware Diploma unless they have successfully completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits to include: 4 credits in English Language Arts, 4 credits in mathematics, 3 credits in science, 3 credits in social studies, 2 credits in World Language, 1 credit in physical education, 1/2 credit in health, 1 credit in computer literacy, 3 credits in a Career Pathway, and 3 1/2 credits in elective courses.

Registration Requirements

Parents are encouraged to register their child before the opening day of school if the child is entering school for the first time or has moved to a different location since the end of school last year. The following documents are required when enrolling your child in school: An original copy of the child's birth certificate (if enrolling in school for the first time, i.e. Kindergarten); Photo ID of the parent/guardian registering the child; Proof of residency with your name and current address (Acceptable documents include mortgage, rental agreement, electric bill, gas bill, or water bill. The district does NOT accept phone bills or cable bills as proof of residency. Please, contact the school office if you do not own a home so the staff can explain the additional residency information that is needed.); Guardianship papers (if applicable); health records (shots, physical, and allergy-related documentation.) Most school districts in Delaware now have online enrollment tabs located on the district's home page.

Parents are encouraged to bring sealed permanent or unofficial records from the previous school, as well as an additional copy for yourself. This practice is recommended, when possible, to determine whether Delaware requirements have been met. If the records are not transported by hand, the parent will be asked to provide the mailing address of the previous school so that records may be requested. Students transferring from out of state should secure a Delaware Immunization Certificate as soon as possible to avoid loss of school days. Certificates can be obtained from the Dover AFB Clinic simply by transferring shot records to the state certificate.

Extracurricular Activities

Many extracurricular activities are offered within area schools, including band, chorus, Junior ROTC, football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, field hockey, track, softball, lacrosse, FFA, as well as academic and service clubs. Information regarding extracurricular activities is available through the individual school websites or by contacting the school office.

Exceptional Education Programs

Area schools have a full range of educational programs, i.e., vocational and technical training, traditional academic programs, and classes for gifted students and students with special needs. There are several Charter schools in the local area that offer students different opportunities or specialized learning environments. Besides its public schools, Kent County is also served by Private and Diocesan schools. For more information on special education programs, Charter schools, or non-public school options please contact the School Liaison Office at 302-677-4622.

Transportation

Transportation is provided to students enrolled in their identified school within their home school district, except students residing in base housing or those residing  less than 1 mile (elementary) or 2 miles (middle/high) of their assigned school. Parents are responsible for transportation for students receiving School Choice, unless special circumstances apply per the district.