School Enrollment Forms: What You're Really Agreeing To

School enrollment packets often include more than contact info and emergency contacts. They may bundle consent forms for field trips, photos, medical treatment, and release-of-liability language—plus fee schedules, refund policies, and references to the school's handbook or discipline policies. If you don't read carefully, you might not realise you're agreeing to a broad "release of liability" that could (in theory) waive claims if your child is hurt, or that you're bound by fee and refund terms that are strict or unclear. Here's what the fine print can mean—and what to look for before you sign on behalf of your child.

Consent and release forms

Enrollment packets often include several consent and release forms. You may be asked to sign once for everything—or to tick boxes and sign for each. Here's what they usually cover.

What they are

You may sign consent for: Field trips—your child can go on outings organised by the school. Photos and media—the school can use your child's image in newsletters, the website, or promotional materials (sometimes you can opt out). Medical treatment—staff can authorise emergency care or give medication (e.g. an inhaler) as agreed. Release of liability—you waive claims against the school, its staff, or others for injury or damage arising from certain activities (e.g. sports, trips). Each of these has legal effect: you're giving the school permission to do something or giving up the right to sue in certain circumstances. The key is to understand the scope—what exactly are you consenting to, and what are you waiving?

Why it matters

A broad "release of liability" can try to waive claims if your child is hurt—including, in some forms, claims for negligence (e.g. unsafe equipment, poor supervision). In many places such waivers are limited or unenforceable for minors: the law may not allow a parent to waive a child's right to sue for negligence, or courts may refuse to enforce such waivers. So even if the form says you waive "all claims including for negligence," it might not hold up. But the form may still be there—and can discourage you from pursuing a claim or make you think you have no options. You should understand what the form says and that in your jurisdiction it may not be fully enforceable. If your child is hurt due to clear negligence, you may still have a claim. Don't assume you've given up your rights. If in doubt, get advice.

What to look for

• Scope: Is the release limited to specific activities (e.g. "sports," "field trips") or does it say "all school activities" or "any activity"? Narrower is better for you.
• Time: Is it for the school year, or indefinite? Prefer a limited period.
• Negligence: Does the waiver mention "negligence" or "fault"? If so, in many places it may not be enforceable for minors. You're not necessarily giving up the right to sue for negligence.
• Opt-out: For photos and media, can you opt out? Some forms let you tick a box to say the school cannot use your child's image. If you're not comfortable with photos being used, look for that option.
• Clarification: If something is unclear or too broad, ask the school to clarify or narrow it. Some will; others won't. But you'll know what you're signing.

Fees and payment

Enrollment often comes with fees—enrollment fees, materials, trips, or other costs. The terms may be in the packet or in a separate fee schedule. Here's what to check.

Enrollment fees, materials, trips

When are fees due? Is there a deposit or enrollment fee that's non-refundable? What about fees for materials, trips, or optional activities—when are they due, and are they refundable if your child doesn't participate or if you withdraw? What if the program is cancelled (e.g. a trip is cancelled, or the school closes a class)? Do you get a refund, a credit, or nothing? The packet should spell this out—but sometimes it's in fine print or in a separate document. Look for a fee schedule and a refund/cancellation policy. If the school only explains fees verbally, ask for written terms. You don't want to discover later that the "enrollment fee" is non-refundable even if you withdraw in the first week, or that trip fees are non-refundable once paid—unless you're comfortable with that.

What to look for

• Clear fee schedule: What's due when? Is there a payment plan option?
• Refund policy: If you withdraw, do you get any refund? Full, partial, or none? By when must you withdraw to get a refund?
• Cancellation by the school: If the school cancels a trip, a class, or the program, do you get a refund or a credit? Make sure it's in writing.

Discipline and policies

The enrollment packet may incorporate the school's handbook, code of conduct, or other policies—by reference (e.g. "parents and students are bound by the school handbook"). Those policies can affect suspension, expulsion, attendance, dress code, and other consequences. Here's what to know.

Behavior, attendance, dress code

The packet may say you and your child agree to follow the school's policies on behavior, attendance, dress code, and the like. Those policies are often in a separate handbook or on the school's website. They can affect what happens if your child misbehaves (e.g. detention, suspension, expulsion), how many absences are allowed, and what your child can wear. You're not always asked to sign the handbook itself—but by signing the enrollment form, you may be agreeing to be bound by it. So you should know where those policies are (link or attachment) and that you're comfortable with how they're applied. If the handbook is strict (e.g. zero tolerance for certain behavior) or unclear, ask the school to explain. You want to know what you're agreeing to on behalf of your child.

What to look for

• Where are the policies? Is the handbook attached, or is there a link? Read it (or at least the key sections—discipline, attendance, complaints).
• Are you comfortable? If the discipline policy is very strict or vague, ask how it's applied in practice. You're agreeing to it by enrolling.
• Complaints and appeals: If you disagree with a decision (e.g. suspension), is there an appeal process? The handbook or enrollment materials should say. Know your options before you need them.

BeforeYouSign can summarize enrollment and consent language in your child's enrollment packet so you know what you're agreeing to on their behalf—and what to ask the school before you sign.