Maxwell AFB – Gunter Annex Frequently Asked Questions regarding PreK – 12 Education

Published May 21, 2024

When does school start?

In Alabama, the school year typically starts at the beginning of August and ends late May.
2024-2025 School Calendars:
Maxwell Elementary and Middle School
Montgomery Public Schools – not published yet
Autauga County Schools
Pike Road Schools
Elmore County Schools

How old must a child be to start school?

The compulsory school age in Alabama is 6 to 17, but a child who turns five years old by 1 September can start kindergarten in a public school. Private schools can and do enroll younger students.

What schools do children/youth living on Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex attend?

Elementary/Middle School:

Maxwell Elementary & Middle School (DoDEA)
https://www.dodea.edu/MaxwellAFBEMS/
https://www.facebook.com/DodeaMaxwellEMS/
Note: FamCamp on Maxwell AFB is also designated as permanent living quarters. This designation allows permanent residents within the camping area to attend Maxwell Elementary & Middle School.
Students living on base can opt to attend MPS Magnet schools (if accepted), private, or charter schools.

High School:

Students residing in housing on Maxwell AFB and Gunter-Annex in grades 9-12 are zoned in the Montgomery Public School System. Maxwell AFB is zoned for Carver Senior High School and Gunter-Annex is zoned for Percy Julian High School. Bus service is provided for these MPS schools.

What schools do children/youth living off base attend?

There are four school districts surrounding Maxwell-Gunter AFB where families may choose to live. All public school districts are accredited by Cognia.

Through the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act Congress allows for the children of full-time, active-duty who do not live on an installation to attend a DoDEA school, provided space is available. For more information about the DoDEA pilot program visit https://www.dodea.edu/MaxwellAFBEMS/pilot.cfm

Can active-duty dependents living off base attend the DoDEA school (Maxwell Elementary Maxwell AFB – Gunter Annex Frequently Asked Questions regarding PreK – 12 Education and Middle School) on base?

Yes, active-duty members with orders to Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex can apply for their children to attend the DoDEA school on base. Acceptance is based on eligibility and space available. For more information visit the DoDEA Pilot Program at Maxwell AFB at https://www.dodea.edu/americas/southeast/maxwell-afb/pilot-program

What other options are there for schools?

Please review the information on the K-12 School website for current information or contact the School Liaison to find out about all your options.

Out-of-district enrollment
Charter Schools
Boarding Schools
Magnet Schools
Virtual Schools
Private Schools
Homeschool

Pre-K Enrollment?

Alabama’s nationally recognized First-Class Pre-K programs accept registration applications at the beginning of each calendar year (Jan/Feb). To participate, a child must be 4 years old (and not yet 5) on or before 1 September of the current school year. Go to Alabama First Class to learn more about First Class Pre-K programs.

Maxwell Elementary & Middle School (DoDEA) also offers a full day (beginning SY24/25) Pre-K program on base. To participate, a child must be 4 years old (and not yet 5) on or before 1 September, of the current school year. MEMS Pre-K will be a full day program beginning SY24/25. Additional information regarding DoDEA Pre-School Curriculum - https://www.dodea.edu/Curriculum/Preschool/index.cfm

Families residing on installation are assured enrollment at MEMS Pre-K. Active-duty members assigned to Maxwell AFB – Gunter Annex living off the installation may also apply for the PreK program on a space available basis as part of the DoDEA Pilot program. Find more information at https://www.dodea.edu/MaxwellAFBEMS/pilot.cfm

When is the magnet school application window?

The application window typically opens 1 – 31 January prior to the new school year. Please check the Montgomery Public Schools website for current information.

Do we have to be in Alabama to apply for magnet schools?

No, you do not have to live in Montgomery Public School District (MPS) to apply, although if your child is selected and chooses to attend, you will have to live in the MPS district – including Maxwell/Gunter – by the first day of school. This means that anyone can apply, regardless of where they currently live.

Where can I find school’s accountability data (ranking, test scores, financial, demographics, etc.)?

The Alabama State Department Education (ALSDE) gives each school a grade each year. The grade is based on the school’s test scores, attendance, and other factors. The school’s report also includes financial (free and reduced lunch numbers) and other demographic information. You can find current and past year’s district and school grades at the ALSDE website: https://reportcard.alsde.edu/alsde/selectschool

What are the boundaries for off-base schools?

School zones are determined by your address.
Montgomery Public Schools: https://app.guidek12.com/montgomeryal/school_search/current/
Autauga County Schools: https://alabama.hometownlocator.com/schools/
For all others, please use the following link: https://alabama.hometownlocator.com/schools/

What is the school registration procedure?

You will need the following documents to register your child (some districts now offer online registration where you upload your documents). Schools may have different guidelines, check your school’s website:

Child’s birth certificate
Child’s Alabama Certificate of Immunization (can be obtained from Maxwell Immunization Clinic or the County Health Department)
Proof of address (such as a current utility bill, mortgage, or lease agreement with your name and current address on it/some schools will need to verify your lease agreement at the district office) Check with your school regarding lease acceptance.
Parent/Guardian photo ID
Copy of your orders (required for MEMS or Out of District Enrollment)
Unofficial Copy of School Records, Transcripts, IEP, 504, etc. (recommended)

**This is what is typically required by public school districts in the area. However, we recommend that you check your school’s website and talk to the registrar at your school for more information.

How far is the walk or bus ride to and from school on base?

The walk could be up to a mile. Maxwell Elementary & Middle School is located near base housing on Maxwell AFB. All families living on Maxwell AFB, to include the FAMCAMP, must provide their own way to school. Students living on Gunter Annex are bussed to Maxwell Elementary & Middle School. Bus service is also provided to students who live on base and attend their zoned Montgomery Public School.

What are the state procedures for home schooling?

Parents have a number of choices if they are interested in homeschooling. For information on Home Schooling in Alabama, visit https://hslda.org/legal/alabama or contact the State Department of Education, School Safety, Discipline, and Attendance Division, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101, Phone 334-242-8165, Fax 334-353-5962.

What types of before and after-school and holiday care programs are available?

Many organizations in Montgomery and surrounding area offer before/after school programs. These programs provide a variety of activities, including:

Arts and crafts
Field trips
Recreation
Study time

Maxwell AFB/Gunter Annex offers Before and After School programs at the School Age Centers. For more information about this program, call Maxwell (334) 953-6292 or Gunter (334) 416-1427. Eligibility requirements and priority of authorized use follow Department of Defense and Air Force policies; contact the Youth Center for details.

Still have questions?

Additional information can be found on the Maxwell AFB School Liaison website. Please contact the School Liaison for assistance or any other questions.
School Liaison Office
Bldg. 804 Rm. SE147 Phone: (334) 953-6430/1259 DSN 493-6430/1259
E-mail: 42FSS.FYES.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil