School Liaison Program Manager (SLPM)

The School Liaison Office is here to assist Department of Defense employees and their families in making a smooth transition in and out of our local public, private, and homeschool environments. The School Liaison Office is the primary point of contact for all PreK(4) – 12^th grade school related matters, advocates for the needs of the military students, connector of educational resources, provide educational options and networking opportunities, facilitates workshops to address current trends, and is the liaison between the base, the schools, and the local community.

School Liaisons are located at each installation to provide information as well as build partnerships with the civilian and military community to help address common education challenges of military families. School Liaisons are also an initial contact for participation in the Youth Sponsorship Program which builds resilience in youth and eases transition. School Liaison support is free of charge and open to all Department of Defense identification card holders, educators who serve military students and community partners involved with pre-K-12 education.

Our program has built a strong, supportive relationship with the local education agencies. To get you started we have complied frequently asked questions.(FAQ updated 21 May 2024)

To provide feedback or request additional information email: 42FSS.FYES.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil

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Local School Information
- Maxwell AFB Local School Information Website
DODEA Pilot Program
Maxwell Elementary and Middle School hosts first DoDEA pilot program, opens application for off-base children
Learn More
Scholarship Listing
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commision (MIC3)
Resources for Special Education Services
School District Websites
Other Resources
Base Resources

When does school start?
In Alabama, the school year typically starts at the beginning of August and ends late May.

2024-2025 School Calendars:
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://app.guidek12.com/autaugacountyal/school_search/current/

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:
1. Child’s birth certificate
2. Child’s Alabama Certificate of Immunization (can be obtained from Maxwell Immunization Clinic or the County Health Department)
3. 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.
4. Parent/Guardian photo ID
5. Copy of your orders (required for MEMS or Out of District Enrollment)
6. 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 and a half. Maxwell Elementary & Middle School is located near base housing on Maxwell AFB. Families living in permanent Hunt Housing at Maxwell AFB must provide their own way to and from school. Families residing in Maxwell AFB FAMCAMP are provided bus transportation to and from the school by DoDEA. Students living on Gunter Annex are bussed to Maxwell Elementary & Middle School by DoDEA. Bus service is also provided to students who live on base and attend their zoned Montgomery Public School high school by MPS.
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:
1. Arts and crafts
2. Field trips
3. Recreation
4. 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

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School Liaison Program Manager (SLPM)

School Liaison Program Manager Resources

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

Contact the Maxwell AFB/42 FSS School Liaison Office